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Japan Sanctions 35 Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels For The First Time - Ship & Bunker

Shipandbunker • October 6, 2026

This is the first time Japan has sanctioned vessels linked to the Russian shadow fleet. File Image / Pixabay

Japan has, for the first time, sanctioned vessels linked to Russia ’s shadow fleet, imposing restrictions on 35 vessels as part of a new package of measures linked to the Ukraine conflict.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the measures on October 2 under the country’s Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act .

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notice identified the 35 vessels by their IMO numbers.

They face restrictions on certain service transactions, while capital transactions linked to their sale, purchase, lease or charter are also subject to a permission requirement.

The vessel measures are part of a wider package targeting 33 Russian entities and nine individuals. Japan has also imposed export restrictions on four entities outside Russia and Belarus and expanded controls on goods that could contribute to Russia’s industrial capabilities.

The restrictions apply to services and other obligations carried out from October 2 .

Contracts signed before that date can, subject to certain conditions, continue to be performed until November 1 .

The move marks the first time Japan has introduced vessel-specific measures as part of its sanctions response to Russia.

The IMO numbers of the sanctioned vessels can be viewed here .

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The full story

This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

Japan Sanctions 35 Ships Linked to Russian Oil Trade On October 2, 2026, Japan imposed its first-ever vessel sanctions, targeting 35 ships associated with Russian oil exports to curb revenue for Russia amid ongoing conflicts. The sanctions require Japanese companies to obtain government permission for services related to these vessels, including repairs and insurance. The designated vessels include 13 Oman-registered tankers, 17 Russian-flagged ships, and five vessels with false flags or no known registry. This action is part of a broader sanctions package that also freezes assets of 33 Russian entities and nine individuals. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed the sanctions, emphasizing their importance in countering Russia's war efforts. Japan aims to align more closely with G7 nations in their sanctions against Russia, although it has maintained its imports of Russian gas. Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions, labeling them illegitimate and threatening countermeasures. 7 sources 45

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Belarus Iran Japan Russia Ukraine