Russia Seizes Control of Heavy Lift Carriers Bright and Glory, Tightening Grip on Arctic LNG 2 Supply Chain

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Russia has taken control of two modern heavy lift carriers previously used to deliver equipment for the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, placing specialized project cargo tonnage under domestic ownership near Murmansk as Novatek works to complete its flagship Arctic development.

The vessels, Bright and Glory, reappeared on the Automatic Identification System under the Russian flag after their ownership and management transferred to Eco Shipping LLC, according to vessel records reviewed by gCaptain. Equasis lists Guangdong Nan Feng Shipping Co. as the previous owner. No details of the sale, its timing, or its financial terms have been made public.

The shift gives Moscow direct control over a critical link in the supply chain for its Arctic energy projects, from moving construction modules to remote sites to potentially delivering finished LNG infrastructure to future overseas buyers. It also signals that the so called shadow fleet is evolving from a tool for hauling sanctioned oil and LNG into a broader logistics network.

Both carriers have a documented history of transporting oversized equipment for Arctic LNG 2. Glory previously sailed as Nan Feng Zhi Xing and Glory Ocean, while Bright operated under the names Zhi Xian Zhi Xing, Hunter Star, and Bright Ocean.

Earlier this year, the pair delivered modules for the third production train to the LNG construction center at Belokamenka near Murmansk. In September, they returned to China and loaded two onshore power generation modules for the second train.

The subsequent voyage was conducted largely outside public tracking. Both vessels switched off their transponders while crossing the Pacific toward the Bering Strait in mid September and delivered the cargo to the Utrenniy terminal without broadcasting their positions. They have since reappeared on AIS near Murmansk under Russian registration.

The future deployment of the ships remains unclear. Satellite imagery indicates at least seven further modules for the third train remain in China, some complete and others still under construction. Russian control could also open assignments supporting Novatek’s stated interest in exporting its LNG technology and platform concepts to markets including Africa and potentially Alaska.

The development coincides with attention on two other Chinese heavy lift carriers off Norway’s northern coast near Andøya. One of them, Ya Qing Hai Yang, formerly Ocean 28, delivered a substation module to Arctic LNG 2 in 2024 and required icebreaker assistance in the Chukchi Sea. The vessel is sanctioned by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom. Norwegian authorities inspected both ships and subsequently detained Ya Qing Hai Yang over deficiencies including an invalid flag registration and missing certificates.

Transparency along the Northern Sea Route has meanwhile deteriorated. Russian authorities no longer publish daily operational shipping logs and have stopped disclosing permit applications and granted permits, making independent monitoring of vessel movements and cargo deliveries considerably more difficult.