Despite ongoing Western restrictions, Russia continues to aggressively expand its high-margin liquefied natural gas exports, with the fleet of tankers used to transport cargo from the US-sanctioned Arctic project nearly doubling in size in less than twelve months.

An analysis of vessel tracking data reveals that at least 20 ships are currently servicing the Arctic LNG-2 facility and its associated supporting infrastructure, with the majority operating under the opaque ownership structures typical of a shadow fleet.

The latest addition is a Russian-built, advanced ice-class vessel, marking the second such ship capable of navigating ice-covered waters year-round. Tracking data indicates the vessel loaded cargo from the facility over the weekend.