Europe Closes Ports to Russian LNG Transshipment

As of March 26, 2025, European Union ports have officially closed their doors to the transshipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. This decision prohibits tankers transporting Russian LNG from utilizing European infrastructure to transfer and send fuel to countries in Africa and Asia, significantly complicating Moscow’s export logistics.

The move is part of the EU’s sanctions policy aimed at reducing Russia’s revenue from energy resources. This ban comes into effect after a nine-month grace period allowed for the completion of previously signed contracts.

Originally adopted in June 2024 as part of the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, the restrictions not only prohibit the transshipment of Russian LNG in EU ports but also ban related services. European companies can no longer provide technical assistance, financial support, or brokerage services connected to the transshipment of gas produced or exported from Russia. EU authorities assert that these measures are intended to undermine the economic foundation of Moscow, which they believe uses energy sales revenue to fund military actions in Ukraine.

For Russia, this ban necessitates significant changes to its supply chains. Historically, European ports such as Zeebrugge in Belgium and Montoir-de-Bretagne in France have acted as crucial transit hubs for LNG, particularly during winter months when Arctic ice conditions hinder direct shipments to Asia. With the ban in place, tankers will be forced to seek alternative routes, leading to increased transportation costs and potential reductions in export volumes. Experts estimate that up to 20% of Russian LNG transiting through Europe was bound for third-country markets, and the loss of this avenue could cost Moscow billions of euros annually.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Russian government regarding the ban.