EU ports halt transshipment services for Russian LNG as sanctions exemption ends

Interfax Ukraine reported the information.

This restriction, part of sanctions introduced in June 2024, was previously delayed for contracts signed before June 25, 2024, but the grace period has now expired.

The ban also covers technical support, brokerage, and financial services related to LNG transshipment. However, exceptions remain for gas transported directly to EU member states for their energy needs.

Currently, about 13% of the EU’s gas imports still come from Russia, and the European Commission is preparing legislation to further reduce dependence. One of the largest affected deals was between Russia’s Yamal LNG and Belgium’s Fluxys, which enabled Arctic-adapted LNG carriers to transfer gas for global exports.

• EU leaders have stopped discussions on the possibility of confiscating frozen Russian assets in the EU, believing that the assets should remain immobilized.