Azerbaijani Tankers Also Under EU Sanctions

As part of the 18th package of sanctions adopted by the EU in connection with the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, measures have also been taken against Azerbaijani vessels involved in oil transportation.

A total of 105 tankers engaged in transporting Russian oil were included in this latest package. According to EU Council Decision No. 2025/1495, these vessels are prohibited from entering ports in EU member states and from using a wide range of services related to maritime transport.

Among the sanctioned tankers are "Nizami Ganjavi," "Karabakh," and "Shusha," as reported by haqqin.az. These vessels were added to the EU's "black list" because they transported crude oil or petroleum products of Russian origin or exported them from Russia using non-standard or risky shipping methods.

The "Shusha" tanker, built in South Korea in 2017, is 250 meters long and 44 meters wide, designed for crude oil transportation. Its owner is the Azerbaijani company SA Susha Shipholdings, and its operator is another Azerbaijani company, ASCO Shipmanagement AFEZCO. ASCO Shipmanagement AFEZCO was established in January 2023 based on the state-owned ASCO (Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company) and is its subsidiary. Both the owner and operator are registered at the same address in Baku. Currently, the "Shusha" is sailing in the Mediterranean Sea (the vessel departed from the Turkish port of Nemrut on July 14 and is expected to arrive at its final destination on July 27). Navigation statistics for this Azerbaijani tanker show that it has recently been operating between Turkey and Russia.

The "Karabakh" is a vessel measuring 250 by 44 meters, also designed for crude oil transportation. It was built in Japan in 2018. The owner is SA Karabakh Shipholdings, the ISM (International Safety Management) manager is ASCO Shipmanagement AFEZCO, and the commercial manager is SA Karabakh Shipholdings itself. These companies are also registered at the same address in Baku. The vessel's navigation statistics indicate that it has also been operating between Turkey and Russia recently.

The "Nizami Ganjavi" (IMO 9369617, MMSI 273314230) is a chemical/oil product tanker built in 2006 (19 years old). It currently sails under the Russian flag. The vessel's current location is the Caspian Sea. The vessel is heading to the port of Okarem, where it is expected to arrive on July 24 at 12:00. This tanker belongs to Palmali Shipping Service, a company registered in Istanbul (owned by the Turkish businessman of Azerbaijani origin Mubariz Mansimov, - OM's note).