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UK sanctions Russian LNG and oil vessels

The government announced on Thursday that Britain had imposed sanctions against 18 more Russian oil tankers, and four vessels carrying liquefied natural gas. This is the largest sanction action taken to date in relation to the so-called shadow fleet of the country.

The 18 Russian oil tankers are now banned from UK ports, and will not be able to use British maritime services. This brings the total number sanctioned Russian tankers up to 43.

The UK government stated that "the UK's relentless actions against the shadow fleet are putting grit in the system and starving Putin’s war machine crucial revenues", adding that the targeted oil tanks have transported approximately 4.9 billion pounds (6.37 billion dollars) last year.

The UK has also sanctioned the Russian gas company Rusgazdobycha, JSC.

The Government added that the Department for Transport is working with maritime authorities in order to require that Russian vessels suspected of having dubious insurance details their insurance status when they pass through English Channel.

The government warned that "any actor who facilitates or supports Russia's malign activity could expose themselves to sanctions."

The Russian Embassy in London has not responded to an immediate request for comment about the sanctions. $1 = 0.7692 pound (Reporting and writing by MuvijaM; Editing and proofreading by William James).

(source: Reuters)