China Ratchets Up Efforts to Import Blacklisted Russian LNG

China is stepping up its efforts to import US-sanctioned Russian gas, building the beginnings of a domestic “shadow fleet” of vessels that can transport the super-cooled fuel and circumvent restrictions imposed on one of the Kremlin’s flagship industries.

The world’s largest energy importer has ample — and often cheaper — gas coming through pipelines. These alternative seaborne purchases, however, are a means of further diversifying supply while also strengthening ties to Russia. President Vladimir Putin has made LNG a key piece of Russia’s future energy export plans, and it sorely needs willing buyers.