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Sources say that Russia will ship oil via the Arctic route to Brunei for the first ever.

Two sources familiar with shipping data said that Russia would deliver oil to Brunei for the first ever via the Northern Sea Route in September. This will expand its export reach by using the strategic Arctic route.

NSR shipments were limited until now to China because of its proximity to Russia’s Far East. Moscow has actively promoted the route to partners such as India and the U.S., claiming that it is cheaper and quicker than shipping crude oil through the Suez Canal.

One source confirmed that the tanker Latur was currently on its way to Muara, Brunei, carrying Arctic heavy ARCO Oil loaded in Murmansk by Gazprom and supplied by Gazprom. Gessi Marine of Seychelles owns the vessel, which was sanctioned in January 2025 by the U.S. Treasury. It sails under the Comoros Flag.

Gazprom and Brunei Energy Ministry did not respond to our requests for comment. Gessi Marine could not be reached for comment.

Brunei imports small quantities of Russian crude oil since 2022, when Western sanctions forced Moscow to look for new buyers. Brunei imported $15,6 million of Russian oil in 2023. This included its first Urals cargo, which was delivered to Hengyi Industries' Pulau Muara Refinery.

The NSR is navigable during summer and fall, connecting Russia's western port to Asia via the Arctic. This route can reduce shipping times by up to ten days when compared with the Suez Canal. Over 12 million barrels of oil were transported to China last year via this route.

Russia will likely increase NSR shipments in this year, despite the high costs and approval requirements from Rosatom. LSEG data indicates that around 4 million barrels are on their way to China through the NSR.

Rosatom has said that it offers permits, icebreaker services and safe navigation, but refused to disclose the vessel's details. Reporting by journalists in Moscow and Gleb Stlyarov in Tblisi. Additional reporting by Ain Bandial, Bandar Seri Begawan. Editing by Jan Harvey.

(source: Reuters)