Sanctioned Tanker Aiming for Brunei Through the Arctics, Shipping Watchers Take Note

In a landmark development, a sanctioned Russian tanker is under way Brunei using the Northern Sea Route (NSR), marking the first such voyage to that market via the Arctic. According to a Tradewinds report, the Suezmax tanker LATUR, flagged under the Comoros and owned by Seychelles-based Gessi Marine, is en route to MUARA with Arctic heavy crude supplied by Gazprom. The vessel was U.S.-sanctioned in early 2025 for its links to Russia’s shadow fleet.

Previously, NSR exports were a one-way street, paying dividends mostly for deliveries into China. But with Latur now heading south to Brunei, Moscow is signaling a broader utilization of the Arctic corridor, not least because it offers a shorter, cheaper alternative to Suez-bound routes. A Reuters analysis noted the emerging trend as strategic, geopolitical positioning. ‍

Arctic Route Continues to Fuel Shadow Fleet Expansion

The Latur’s transit underscores how sanctioned vessels (often part of the shadow fleet) are increasingly exploiting the NSR to preserve oil export volumes. Lloyd’s List documented that at least five sanctioned tankers piloted Arctic routes this summer to reach China, raising both environmental and safety concerns. These vessels are typically aging, uninsured, and operate with limited regulatory oversight, amplifying the risk of incidents in the fragile Arctic environment.

Until now, NSR oil exports (a strategically shorter and more cost-efficient alternative to Suez) were largely destined for China. Reuters reports that this delivery marks a shift in export flows, with Russia increasingly promoting the Arctic route to markets like India, the U.S., and now Brunei. Analysts note this diversification could gradually reduce the reliance on seaborne routes through the Suez Canal.

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