LNG Logistics: Russian tanker fleet maintains route through Suez Canal despite massive revision of routes by global carriers

While the world's largest carriers are massively redirecting ships to bypass Africa, the Russian tanker fleet continues to effectively use the shortest route through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. According to marine monitoring data at the beginning of March 2026, a group of gas carriers involved in the transportation of LNG from the Arctic successfully passed the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, heading to Asia and back.

Contrast of logistics strategies

Global shipping companies are forced to choose a route through the Cape of Good Hope, which increases travel time by 10-15 days. In contrast, the vessels providing the export of Russian liquefied natural gas remain on the same course. In the waters of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal in recent days, recorded:

• La Perouse (completed southbound transit);

• Arctic Pioneer (heading for the Suez Canal);

• Arctic Mulan, Iris, Nova Energy, Arctic Vostok.

Despite the increasing complexity of the navigation situation in the strait area, tankers maintain a stable course. The fleet's ability to continue operating under conditions of increased tension confirms the reliability of Yamal LNG's logistics chain.

Economic efficiency and fleet turnover

For NOVATEK, maintaining this route is a critical factor. Given the limited fleet of tankers, the lengthening of each voyage would lead to a decrease in the intensity of shipments from Sabetta. The use of the southern corridor allows:

• Maintain a high turnover of vessels: reducing the transport leverage to the key buyer — China.

• Optimize supplies in winter: while the eastern direction of the Northern Sea Route is limited by ice conditions, the route through the Suez Canal remains the most effective alternative.

Industry synergy: from logistics to processing

The stability of LNG export supplies is complemented by the development of domestic processing facilities. In parallel with the logistical successes in the Arctic, the petrochemical sector is also demonstrating high rates.

The stage of supervision and commissioning of E-SCADA power supply management systems is actively underway at the Amur Gas Processing Plant (a joint venture between SIBUR and Sinopec). Modern digital equipment is being implemented in pyrolysis and polymer production plants. Currently, the total construction readiness of the Amur Gas Processing Plant has reached 90%, which, combined with steady exports of raw materials, strengthens Russia's position as a leading player in the Asian energy market.

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As of March 2026, the Yamal LNG project is operating at its design capacity, and the Amur Gas Processing Plant is scheduled to be put into operation in the third quarter of this year. Against the background of the volatility of supplies from other regions, Russian gas and its processed products are considered by importers as the most predictable resource.

Photo vesselfinder.com