On 29 August, Albania banned the oil tanker HANUMAN, which belongs to Russia’s “shadow fleet”, from entering the port of Durrës.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.
According to the intelligence service, the tanker HANUMAN is being monitored by Ukrainian military intelligence. On 26 January 2026, the DIU added the vessel to the War&Sanctions portal database as an active participant in Russia’s shadow fleet.
The DIU notes that such vessels use risky and deceptive shipping practices that allow Russia to circumvent international sanctions and earn profits from oil exports to finance the war against Ukraine.
In addition, the shadow fleet’s activities create risks for international shipping and the environment. Such vessels’ practices include switching off trackers, dangerous manoeuvres, and using tankers that do not meet modern environmental standards.
According to the DIU, since the start of 2025 the tanker HANUMAN has exported at least 452,000 tonnes of Russian fuel.
The vessel made voyages from the port of Novorossiysk to Turkey, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, and also headed to a transhipment area near the Italian city of Augusta.
Logistical support for these voyages was provided by the Russian company LLC “Altoprae Marine” from Novorossiysk. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the entity was founded and is managed by one of the top executives linked to the orbit of sanctioned Russian oligarch Gennady Timchenko.
The company, according to the DIU, systematically services tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet. These include EVENTIN (IMO 9308065) and CORDELIA MOON (now WALRUS, IMO 9297888). Both vessels are under international sanctions and have been linked to incidents that posed a threat to environmental safety.
“Altoprae Marine” is also involved in operations of vessels owned by the Russian company LLC “Rosewood Shipping”, which is linked to Oksana Marchenko, the wife of Viktor Medvedchuk.
Ukrainian intelligence said Albania’s decision not to allow HANUMAN into the port of Durrës is evidence of international sanctions solidarity and joint efforts to counter Russia’s circumvention of international restrictions.
- In July this year, EU forces, as part of stepping up sanctions pressure on Russia, detained the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR, which used a false flag to carry out voyages.