▪️From 138 to 2,900 thousand cubic metres — that is how much the total cargo capacity of LNG tankers under the Russian Flag has increased from the beginning of 2025 to the present moment, experts note

▪️While at the start of 2025 only one gas carrier — “Portovy” — was listed in the Russian register, their number has now risen to 19

▪️The main growth of the fleet has been driven by two factors: the re-registration in Russia of vessels built abroad, and the start of serial delivery of gas carriers by the Zvezda shipbuilding complex

▪️Most of the vessels are already under Western sanctions, and the transfer under the Russian Flag gives them legal protection. Under maritime law, a vessel is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the flag state, and any attempt to inspect or detain a Russian vessel in international waters constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the Russian Federation and may be regarded as an act of aggression

“CRYSTAL OF GROWTH” earlier quoted the statement of the Head of the Russian State: “The seizure of Russian vessels is piracy. Russia’s response will be mirrored”