Russia and China expand Arctic cooperation amid rising shadow fleet sanctions

Russia and China are deepening cooperation in the Arctic as the Northern Sea Route (NSR) evolves from a seasonal path into a strategic corridor for shipping, energy, and infrastructure. Chinese companies are increasingly considering regular services between Asia and Europe via this polar route, which offers potential time savings over the Suez Canal. This partnership includes significant investment in Russian Arctic LNG ambitions, supported by Chinese technology and demand, despite Western sanctions.

In response to growing Russian maritime activity, the United Kingdom has sanctioned 12 additional tankers identified as part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ These vessels, which include nine chemical/products tankers and three oil tankers, are accused of transporting Russian oil and petroleum products to third countries. The UK government stated that these designations aim to prevent the funding of the Russian war effort.

The expansion of this shadow fleet has raised environmental and security concerns. The 22-year-old tanker Dakar, which is sanctioned by the European Union, is currently making an unusual late-season voyage along the NSR. Data indicates a sharp rise in shadow-fleet presence in the region; Bellona identified 50 shadow-fleet oil tankers on the NSR during the 2026 summer-autumn season through mid-September, surpassing the total for the entire 2025 season.