Six unfinished Russian tankers have been sanctioned by the U.S., according to Reuters.

Six Russian oil tankers, currently under construction at the Russian shipyard "Zvezda", have been sanctioned by the United States. This marks the first instance where Washington has imposed restrictions on tankers before they have even set sail.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Reuters.

The agency noted that the sanctions imposed by the U.S. last week led to a spike in oil prices and an increase in tanker transportation costs, as the Biden administration took steps to damage Russian oil exports and hinder Moscow's attempts to build its own fleet.

According to Reuters, the six tankers being constructed at the "Zvezda" shipyard were among 183 vessels that fell under the restrictions. These include "Nursultan Nazarbayev", "Alexander Beggrov", "Alexey Bogolyubov", and three other vessels whose names have not yet been disclosed: "Zvezda 131080", "Zvezda 131060", and "Zvezda 131040".

As per the sanctions text, the buyers of the vessels "Alexander Beggrov" and "Alexey Bogolyubov" are the Russian company "Sovcomflot", while the other four are purchased by the shipping division of "Rosneft", known as "Rosnefteflot".

It is noted that both buyers are also under U.S. sanctions.

U.S. Sanctions Against Russia

Recall that on January 10, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced new extensive sanctions against the Russian energy sector, including the largest oil company "Gazprom Neft" and "Surgooneftegas", in an effort to impede Moscow in its war with Ukraine, depriving it of billions of dollars each month.

The sanctions also affect over 180 vessels and dozens of oil traders, service providers in the oil industry, insurance companies, and officials in the energy sector.

According to Kpler, the latest sanctions target tankers that account for approximately 42% of maritime oil exports from Russia, primarily to China.

As reported by Reuters, the new U.S. sanctions against Russian oil companies represent the most comprehensive restrictions against the energy sector of the aggressor nation. Russia could be losing billions of dollars each month.