Russia has commissioned the Project 03182 small sea tanker Valentin Rykov into its Baltic Fleet, marking another step in the modernization of its naval auxiliary capabilities.
The vessel, built at the Volga Shipyard, completed successful factory and state trials at the fleet's sea ranges before being formally accepted into service, according to the fleet's press service.
The commissioning occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on Baltic shipping routes.
Reports indicate that a growing number of aging tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet are transiting through German waters in the Baltic Sea.
These vessels, which carry Russian crude oil, are increasingly using the region to bypass sanctions and maintain export volumes, raising concerns among European regulators and insurers.
This development follows the recent float-out of the Project 23130 medium sea tanker Aleksey Shein by the Nevsky Shipyard, a subsidiary of the United Shipbuilding Corporation.