Key facts
- Denmark's Fayard shipyard is accused of servicing Russia's Arc7 LNG tankers.
- The shipyard is reportedly the last in the EU to maintain these specialized vessels.
- These tankers are crucial for Russia's Yamal LNG exports.
- Fayard has received at least one tanker and expects up to five more before an EU ban.
- The EU's ban on Russian LNG imports is scheduled for January 2027.
Ukraine's top sanctions official, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, has criticized Denmark's Fayard shipyard for continuing to service Russia's specialized Arc7 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers. Vlasiuk stated that Fayard, as the sole EU shipyard maintaining these vessels, is effectively enabling Russia's Arctic LNG exports and providing financial support for its war efforts.
According to the environmental NGO Urgewald, Fayard received the LNG tanker Rudolf Samoylovich on June 30 and is expected to service up to six such vessels before the European Union's ban on Russian LNG imports takes effect in January 2027. These tankers have reportedly transported approximately $4.6 billion worth of Russian LNG since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Fayard has defended its operations, citing the European Commission's view that LNG from Yamal is necessary for European energy supply until 2027 and emphasizing the need to ensure maritime safety for vessels delivering to European ports. However, Vlasiuk urged Danish and EU authorities to intervene immediately, pointing to Dutch shipbuilder Damen's decision to cease servicing Russian LNG vessels as proof that such action is feasible.
Despite existing restrictions, EU imports of Russian LNG saw an increase of nearly 18% in the first five months of 2026. Vlasiuk stressed that repairs to these tankers generate millions of dollars for the Kremlin, which can be used to fund military activities, and that European technology should not support Russia's war machine.