The European Union (EU) has decided to toughen its sanctions against Russia by banning transshipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its ports from March 2025. This measure is part of the bloc’s ambitious objectives for completely eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027.
Adopted last June, the 14th EU sanctions package also prohibits the supply of goods, technologies and services for LNG projects under construction in Russia. The ban mainly targets transshipments and ship-to-ship transfers (STS) which allow Russian LNG to be transported to Asia, while circumventing limitations imposed by local infrastructure.
A European response to the energy crisis
Despite these restrictions, Russian LNG continues to represent a significant share of EU gas imports. In 2024, around 14.9 million tonnes of Russian LNG were imported, an increase from 13.9 million tonnes recorded in 2023. However, this ban on transshipments could accelerate the diversification of supply sources, notably by strengthening partnerships with the United States and Qatar.
Terminals in North-West Europe, such as those of Fluxys in Zeebrugge (Belgium) and Elengy in Montoir-de-Bretagne (France), play a key role in these transshipment operations. Both operators have confirmed their compliance with the new EU rules, saying they have changed their operating protocols to meet regulatory requirements.
A limited but strategic economic impact
Analysts say the transshipment ban will have a limited impact on LNG volumes imported by Europe, but it could complicate Russian logistics chains, particularly for cargoes destined for Asia. The European market also remains in high demand, with a rapidly expanding import infrastructure, driven by floating regasification units (FSRU).
However, terminal operators like Fluxys stress that the extent of the economic repercussions remains difficult to predict. Long-term contracts reserved for Russian LNG refueling and regasification services could be partially revised, but growing opportunities for other suppliers alleviate these uncertainties.
The Russian response and global prospects
For their part, the Russian authorities consider these new sanctions as a Western attempt to slow down the expansion of their gas industry. The Russian LNG Association predicts that new capacities from the United States and Qatar will gradually take over the European market.
As part of its 15th sanctions package, the EU has also intensified its measures against the Russian maritime fleet, notably adding the LNG tanker Christophe de Margerie to its sanctions list. This emblematic ship, used to transport LNG from the Yamal site, illustrates the strategic importance of this industry for Russia.
At the same time, the EU is continuing its efforts to reduce its energy dependence while adapting to fluctuating domestic demand. With LNG prices remaining volatile in recent weeks, European companies continue to sign long-term contracts to secure their supplies.
