Russia is trying to revive its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports through the Arctic, even as U.S. sanctions and reduced demand challenge its efforts. Bloomberg reports that a Russian LNG tanker recently docked at Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 terminal for the first time since October, signaling an attempt to bring the long-stalled project back online.

The Arctic LNG 2 facility was originally central to Russia’s plan to triple LNG exports by 2030. But after facing months of inactivity and a lack of buyers willing to risk violating Western sanctions, the project struggled to move forward. Now, Moscow is relying on a fleet of tankers—some ice-resistant and linked to opaque ownership networks—to try to bypass trade restrictions.

At least 13 vessels have been linked to the terminal, including ships currently docked at the plant, anchored in the Barents Sea, or undergoing repairs in China. Some are suspected of switching management firms to hide their true ownership. A few LNG shipments were sent out between August and October 2024, but none reached foreign buyers they were instead offloaded into Russian storage facilities.

Operations at the site were paused after sea ice disrupted access last fall. However, Russian officials are betting on new ice-class tankers to restore exports in the near future. One such vessel, built domestically, could be deployed later this year pending final tests.

Russia has reportedly held talks with potential buyers in India and China, though results remain unclear. Analysts are doubtful China will absorb large volumes, given its declining LNG demand and the large amounts of unsold Russian gas still in storage from last year.

Western officials are closely watching these developments. Some experts suggest the U.S. and EU may respond with tighter sanctions. The European Union has already committed to ending all Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027. Meanwhile, former U.S. officials are calling for increased pressure on Novatek and Russia’s broader LNG ambitions.