Further Sanctions to Degrade Russia’s Ability to Operationalize the Arctic LNG 2 Project

In response to Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the United States is imposing further costs on those supporting Russia’s war effort and attempting to expand Russia’s global energy leverage.

In today’s actions, the Department of State is targeting two entities and two vessels connected to attempts to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. The Department is sanctioning Gotik Energy Shipping Co (Gotik) and Plio Energy Cargo Shipping OPC PVT LTD (Plio Energy). Gotik and Plio Energy are the registered owner and commercial manager, respectively, of the LNG carrier (LNG/C) New Energy. LNG/C New Energy used deceptive shipping practices, including shutting off its automatic identification system, to load cargo from the U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project via a ship-to-ship transfer on August 25, 2024, with LNG/C Pioneer, a vessel blocked by the United States on August 23, 2024. We are also identifying one additional vessel managed and operated by Plio Energy, LNG/C Mulan, as property in which Plio Energy has an interest.

The U.S. government will continue to answer attempts to operationalize the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project or otherwise expand Russia’s energy capabilities with a swift response. Working alongside our G7 partners and other allies, we will remain steadfast in countering Russia’s exploitation of its energy resources for political gain.

Gotik and Plio Energy are being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(vi)(B) of E.O. 14024, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Limited Liability Company Arctic LNG 2, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. New Energy (IMO 9324277) is being identified as property in which Gotik has an interest, and Mulan (IMO 9864837) is being identified as property in which Plio Energy has an interest.