Fourth Russia-linked LNG carrier puts Danish shipyard in new ‘sanctions gamble’

A fourth Russia-linked liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker is heading to the Danish shipyard Fayard, according to Germany-based environmental and human rights organisation Urgewald — intensifying scrutiny of the Danish yard’s continued servicing of vessels involved in Russia’s Arctic energy trade. The expected arrival of the Nikolay Yevgenov vessel comes as Fayard maintains LNG carriers used to transport gas from Russia’s Yamal LNG project, while the shipyard is also entrusted with maintenance work for a Danish Nato warship. Urgewald argues that the overlap raises questions about Denmark’s security interests at a time when Copenhagen is reinforcing its military focus on Greenland and the wider High North. Russia’s Arc7 fleet has reportedly been linked to the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB), including allegations that FSB personnel have been present aboard some of the vessels. “The security contradiction is impossible to ignore,” said Alexander Kirk, sanctions campaigner at Urgewald. The dispute comes as Denmark-Russia tensions have sharpened. On 14 September, a Russian frigate fired two flares towards a Danish military helicopter during a surveillance flight in international waters. Sanctions around the corner The timing also matters for European sanctions. The EU has already adopted a phased ban on Russian LNG imports, with the prohibition on imports under existing long-term contracts due to take effect on 1 January 2027 under its 21st sanctions package, adopted in July. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login