Japan Imposes First-Ever Vessel Sanctions Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet

 Japan has imposed its first-ever sanctions directly targeting vessels, adding 35 ships linked to Russia’s oil trade to a new sanctions package aimed at supporting international efforts to end the war in Ukraine. 

 The measures, announced on October 2, target a network of vessels involved in Russia’s oil exports, including 13 crude oil tankers registered in Oman, 17 vessels flying the Russian flag, and five tankers identified as operating under false or unknown flags. 

 Under the new restrictions, Japanese companies will require government approval to provide designated vessels with services such as repairs, insurance and other forms of support. Restrictions also apply to certain financial transactions connected to the sale, purchase, leasing or chartering of the vessels. 

 Japan has provided a temporary exemption for obligations arising from contracts signed before October 2, but those existing arrangements must generally be completed by November 1.

 The broader package also includes asset freezes targeting 33 Russian entities and nine individuals, along with export restrictions on four entities in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates that Japan identified as supporting Russia’s war effort. 

 The vessel sanctions mark a significant expansion of Japan’s measures against Russia and bring Tokyo closer to other G7 countries that have targeted vessels associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.