Sparta-Iv

On Feb 18, the 'Sparta IV', part of Moscow’s shadow fleet, spent several days positioned above the Africa Coast–Europe (ACE) submarine communications cable while escorted by Russian Navy ships. The ship was operating in international waters but deliberately avoided entering Portugal’s exclusive economic zone, maintaining a distance of approximately 35 nautical miles from the country’s maritime boundary. Officially, the vessel’s presence in the area was attributed to adverse weather conditions. However, other commercial ships in the same region were able to continue normal operations without significant disruptions. The extended positioning of the 'Sparta IV' directly above the strategic undersea cable, combined with the naval escort, has raised suspicions that the vessel may have been conducting seabed mapping or surveillance activities. or probing NATO/EU/Portuguese monitoring and response by skirting the EEZ boundary. On Feb 12 the 'Sparta IV' was located in the central eastern English Channel, southwest of Dover, approaching the Dover Strait convergence zone. The navigational patterns were under continuous monitoring. The 'Sparta IV' belongs to the Russian SK-Yug LLC, a shipping company under sanctions and a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika LLC—itself a sanctioned entity. Oboronlogistika is part of Russia’s military construction complex under the Ministry of Defense and serves as the sole transportation contractor for the Russian defense ministry. The company supports military logistics operations, including troop movements within Russia and cargo deliveries to temporary occupied Crimea. The 'Sparta IV' was under US sanctions.

The 'Sparta IV', sanctioned and linked to military transport, was being closely shadowed by a Portuguese Air Force Lockheed P-3C Orion and a Tekever AR5 drone as of Feb 16. The vessel appeared to be sailing north toward Kaliningrad to beat the severe weather forecasted for the Bay of Biscay on Feb 18. Constant monitoring remained in effect as thr vessel moved through NATO’s area of interest. On Feb 15 the 'Sparta IV' left the Mediterranean bound for the Atlantic, escorted by the landing ship RFS 'Aleksandr Otrakovsky', of of the Ropucha class and belonging to the Northern Fleet. The maneuver was closely followed by the Royal Navy patrol boat HMS 'Cutlass', which departed from the Gibraltar naval base, and by a French Navy maritime patrol aircraft, the Atlantique ATL.2. The patrol vessel sailed in close proximity to the convoy for much of the crossing, while the French aircraft conducted aerial surveillance south of the Strait of Gibraltar, in a coordinated operation between NATO allies. The passage of the 'Sparta IV' also presented a significant change compared to previous transits. This time, it was not accompanied by either the destroyer 'Severomorsk' or the tanker 'Kama', which in previous days had operated alongside the Russian merchant ship, providing air defense and logistical support. Everything suggested that both ships reversed course towards the eastern Mediterranean, which was interpreted as a possible partial withdrawal of the Russian naval presence in the western Mediterranean. The escort by the RFS 'Aleksandr Otrakovsky' for a commercial cargo ship once again highlighted Moscow's "dual-use" logistics strategy, with civilian merchant vessels protected by military units. For NATO, these movements are key indicators of the maintenance of Russian supply chains in the context of the war in Ukraine. The intense monitoring during the crossing fitted the pattern of recent weeks and marked by increased Russian naval activity in the Mediterranean.The 'Sparta IV's departure could represent a strategic adjustment of the Russian presence in the area. Report with photos: https://www.europasur.es/campo-de-gibraltar/buques-rusos-sparta-iv-aleksandr-otrakovsky-estrecho-cutclass_0_2005916771.html#goog_rewarded

After five days spent loitering east of Sardinia due to poor sea conditions, the Russian convoy composed of the 'Sparta IV', the Navy tanker 'Kama' and the destroyer RFS 'Severomorsk' appeared to be taking advantage of a brief improvement in the weather to leave the Tyrrhenian Sea and resume its transit toward Gibraltar. The Italian Navy frigate ITS 'Spartaco Schergat (F598)' was still shadowing the Russian convoy, having emitted a single plot a short while ago. The Russian ships were expected to move away from Sardinia and continue their voyage northward, ultimately heading back towards Russia. The convoy continued its westbound transit at a speed of around 10 kt on Feb 10. After five days monitoring the Russian naval group that had been operating east of Sardinia, the Italian Navy concluded its shadowing mission on Feb 11. Following the westward departure of the Russian vessels, the ITS 'Spartaco Schergat (F598)' and ITS 'Emilio Bianchi (F589)' disengaged and returned to routine activities. It remained to be seen whether the Russian convoy would proceed all the way to Gibraltar or seek shelter along the Algerian coast in response to the deteriorating marine weather conditions forecast for the coming days. The 'Sparta IV' showed Kaliningrad as port of destination with an ETA as of Feb 17.

On Feb 4, the 'Sparta IV' was loitering east of Sardinia under unclear circumstances, after abruptly altering course last night and heading north. The vessel, previously assessed as bound for Gibraltar and then Russia, has been oscillating up and down the same stretch of sea for around six hours at a steady speed of about 11 knots. While there was no absolute confirmation that the 'Sparta IV' was operating together with the Russian Navy destroyer 'Severomorsk' and the tanker 'Kama', the probability that the three were linked remained high, adding another layer of ambiguity to an already unusual situation. NATO assets from Sigonella remained on high alert. On Feb 5, the Italian Air Force P-72A (MM62311) was actively monitoring the Russian convoy in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Report with photos: https://www.unionesarda.it/en/sardinia/the-russian-ship39-s-strange-route-off-the-coast-of-sardinia-nato-monitors-its-movements-uarw2dh7

On Feb 3, a Russian Navy flotilla transited the Sicily Channel after closely skirting Italian territorial waters southeast of Sicily and conducting a brief maneuver into the Ionian Sea. The movement, observed on the afternoon, once again underscored how the central Mediterranean remained an active corridor for Russian naval deployments, even amid heightened regional attention. The group included the destroyer RFS 'Severomorsk', the tanker 'Kama' and the 'Sparta IV'. After approaching the outer limits of Italian territorial waters south-east of Sicily, the formation altered course eastward, briefly entering the Ionian Sea before resuming a westbound track through the Sicily Channel. While the navigation profile remained compliant with international maritime law, the proximity to Italian waters inevitably drew attention. Thr transit was monitored not only by surface and allied maritime awareness networks but also from the air. An Italian Air Force ATR P-72A maritime patrol aircraft was operating in the same area during the passage, conducting a surveillance mission consistent with maritime security and situational awareness tasks routinely carried out over the central Mediterranean. On its way towards Gibraltar, the 'Sparta IV' did not take the most direct route, taking a detour through the Ionian Sea.

The 'Mys Zhelaniya' has delivered military cargo to Libya after it berthed at the port of Tobruk on Jan 16, enroute from the Russian port of Baltiysk. The escort by a Project 1155 Udaloy-class anti-submarine warfare vessel indicated the high value of the cargo delivered, which was likely intended to support Russia’s “African Corps” in the region. Although Mys Zhelaniya concealed its destination port in navigation systems, the recorded route and prior intelligence confirmed that the unloading took place in Tobruk. At the same time, another sanctioned vessel, the 'Sparta IV', was heading toward the Syrian port of Tartus. was is a high probability that she was carrying military equipment too. Despite declaring the same destination, the vessels’ routes later diverged. Both vessels are owned by companies directly involved in advancing Russia’s military and energy ambitions. The 'Sparta IV' is owned by SK-Yug, a subsidiary of the sanctioned firm Oboronlogistika, which has specialised in supplying the Ministry of Defense of Russia. The 'Mys Zhelaniya' is owned by the major construction company Transstroy, which is also under sanctions. The company is a key player in implementing large-scale Russian energy projects in the Arctic and northern regions. Report with photos:; https://militarnyi.com/en/news/sanctioned-russian-ship-mys-zhelaniya-brings-military-cargo-to-libya/

As of Jan 9, the Russian convoy consisting of the 'MYS Zhelaniya' and 'Sparta IV' was south of the Portuguese coast. Officially, they were heading to the Egyptian port of Said, accompanied by the destroyer 'Severomorsk'. The 'Sparta IV' traditionally declares an Egyptian port, but its actual trajectory often leads to the Syrian port of Tartus, where a Russian military base is located. Report with photo: https://militarnyi.com/en/news/two-cargo-ships-escorted-by-russian-destroyer-severomorsk-were-spotted-off-the-coast-of-portugal/

In recent hours, a Russian convoy has been observed entering the Mediterranean Sea after transiting the English Channel around the turn of the year, coming from Kaliningrad. The group consists of the Russian-flagged cargo vessels 'MYS Zhelaniya' (IMO: 9366110) and 'Sparta IV', escorted by the destroyer RFS 'Severomorsk' (pennant number 619). The decision to escort the convoy all the way into the Mediterranean Sea, and not just through the English Channel, underlined the operational importance Moscow appeared to attach to this movement. The RFS 'Severomorsk' is currently the most significant Russian surface combatant deployed in the Mediterranean basin, and its use as a close escort was far from routine. Both cargo vessels were havin Port Said as their destination with an ETA as of Jan 19, 2026. However, Port Said frequently appears as a placeholder for ships intending to cross the Suez Canal or operate more broadly in the Eastern Mediterranean, and destinations can be altered at short notice. At this stage, it remained unclear whether the convoy will proceed toward Egypt, the Levant, or another Mediterranean port. What stands out is the escort itself. In previous years, similar Russian logistics movements — including those involving the Sparta-class vessels — were not always accompanied by a high-end naval combatant. The presence of the 'Severomorsk' was suggesting more cautious and militarised approach, likely driven by heightened tensions, increased surveillance, and the growing strategic value of maritime supply routes linking the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and beyond. The 'Severomorsk'’s role is not symbolic. Allocating such an asset to escort duties indicates that Russia is prioritising the security of select logistical flows, even at the cost of tying down scarce naval resources. Report with photo: https://united24media.com/latest-news/russian-warship-escorts-sanctioned-ship-near-nato-days-after-us-seized-a-similar-one-14898

In recent weeks, the Russian landing ship "Alexandr Shabalin" was repeatedly observed off the coast of Fehmarn Island. For days, it has been anchored in international waters, but right next to a busy shipping lane. Security experts saw two reasons for this: First, the ship was making its presence known. Second, it may have been escorting or protecting ships from the shadow fleet. The "Alexandr Shabalin" was escorting the "Sparta IV" This was confirmed by webcam footage from the Danish island of Sprogø in the Great Belt. The "Sparta IV" departed from a Syrian port and headed towards the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. In the Kattegat the "Alexandr Shabalin" met it and escorted it into Danish and German waters. International experts suspected the presence of high-quality weapons or military equipment from Syria on board, which Russia might need for the war in Ukraine. The ship has already transported this type of cargo on several occasions. In the spring of 2024, the Russian Navy escorted similar voyages. The Federal Police have been keeping a close eye on the "Alexandr Shabalin". However, the ship was operating on international shipping lanes and is behaving in accordance with regulations. It belongs to the Ropucha class, is part of the Baltic Fleet, and was launched in 1985 in Gdansk. The ship can carry approximately 340 troops and up to ten tanks. It is armed with cannons, rocket launchers, and anti-aircraft defenses. A large bow door allows troops, vehicles, and equipment to be brought directly ashore. Report with photos: https://www.yacht.de/fr/voyages-and-charters/allemagne/alexandr-shabalin-nouvelles-informations-sur-un-navire-de-guerre-russe-au-large-de-fehmarn/

On Sep 20 the 'Sparta IV', used for military cargoes, was identified as moving west through the North Sea for the transit of the English Channel. The cargo ship was being escorted by the Soviet-era frigate RFN 'Neustrashimy''. The 'Sparta IV' has been sailing for the Russians since 2018 and is operated by a sanctioned shipping company. The Royal Navy called on its Plymouth-based frigate HMS 'Iron Duke' for the monitoring operation. It was the 18th time in the past 12 months that the warship has been activated for monitoring missions, reporting a total of 25 Russian vessels having been monitored. For the latest effort, she was joined by a Wildcat helicopter from Yeovilton’s 815 Naval Air Squadron. The ships passed without incident. The 'Sparta IV' was continuing to the Mediterranean. Near the Channel Islands and the island of Ushant, the 'Iron Duke' handed over the monitoring of the cargo ship to a NATO ally. The Russian warship ended the escort and reversed course back through the English Channel. The 'Iron Duke' continued to monitor the vessel until it entered the North Sea. Iron Duke ended the monitoring on Sep 23, returning to its homeport. The monitoring was stepped up after numerous reports of drones possibly being launched from Russian-controlled vessels. Air traffic was suspended on Sep 22 at Copenhagen's airport after drones which the Danish authorities said they suspected were launched from a nearby cargo ship. Germany has reported similar instances of drones in recent months also suspecting they were being launched from ships too, among them the 'Scanlark', which was still detained in the port of Kiel as of Sep 26.

A Russian naval force consisting of four ships was close to rounding Skagen Reef on the afternoon of March 19, 2025, heading towards the Great Belt. The Royal Navy, along with NATO allies, had conducted a coordinated operation to monitor the Russian naval task group since entering the English Channel on March 16. The Type 23 frigate HMS 'Somerset', the minehunter HMS 'Cattistock' and the RFA 'Tidesurge' had participated in the monitoring operation, which began south of Portsmouth. The operation involved both naval assets and aerial surveillance, including a RAF P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth. The ships were on their way back from Syria, where they have picked up military equipment that is no longer needed after the Russian-backed President Assad's regime fell in Dec 2024. The ships have been continuously shadowed by aircraft and warships from the NATO countries they have passed, a task that was taken over by units from the Danish Navy when the naval force have passed Skagen. The convoy consisted of the destroyer 'Severomorsk', the landing craft 'Aleksandr Shabalin', and the cargo ships 'Sparta IV' and 'Siyanie Severa', both of which sailing for the Russian Navy. The naval force was on its way to St. Petersburg with the 'SParta IV' having an ETA as of March 24, where equipment from Syria has previously been brought ashore. The Russians are negotiating with the new rulers in Syria for permission to continue using the strategically important naval base in Tartus. The Russians are prepared to pay for the base with Russian oil. The status of these negotiations was unknown. Report with photos: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2025/march/19/250319-royal-navy-shadow-russian-task-group-returning-from-syria-in-the-channel

The 'Sparta IV' is heading to the port of Tartus to pick up military equipment left behind by the Russians after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime anid is actually destined to Port Said with an ETA as of Fe 12, 2025. The military equipment transported by Russian cargo vessels will significantly bolster the Kremlin's supplies, which the ongoing war in Ukraine has seriously depleted. On the morning of Feb 8, several Russian container ships carrying weapons taken from Syria departed the Mediterranean Sea and entered the Atlantic Ocean, traveling north along the western coast of Portugal. They were accompanied by the landing ships 'Ivan Grien' and 'Aleksandr Otrakovsky' and the tanker 'General Skobielev'. In the Atlantic, the fleet was joined by the British fast patrol boat HMS 'Cutlass', which was responsible for protecting the waters around Gibraltar. The two Russian frigates 'Admiral Grigorovich' and 'Admiral Golovko', which had been assisting Sparta and Sparta II since they left Syrian waters on Jan 27, were not seen in the Atlantic. Their absence may indicate that they have turned around and are now escorting the 'Sparta IV', and once loaded, they will probably accompany it westward to save it from the fate of the 'Ursa Major', which sank off the coast of Oran, Algeria, on Dec 23 following an explosion. For two months, the Russian Navy tanker 'Yelnya' had been stationed off the coast of Algeria, waiting for two ships, and likely refueled these on Feb 6, allowing them to reach Syria. The Russian convoy navigating the Mediterranean was under constant surveillance by NATO aircraft and drones. It was likely shadowed alternately by two nuclear-powered submarines: the American USS 'Indiana' and the British HMS 'Anson'. These submarines made several trips back and forth through the Strait of Gibraltar in Jan and Feb.

On May 23, 2024, the 'Sparta IV', along with the corvette 'Orekhovo-Zuyevo', the landing ships 'Ivan Gren' and 'Aleksandr Ortakovskiy', the surveillance ship 'Kildin' and the fleet tanker 'Kama' were observed during the transit of the Baltic Sea. The Russian Navy was withdrawing units from the Mediterranean. On May 25 anbd May 26 NATO and Federal Police units were deployed to monitor the transit of the five Russian warships along with the freighter to Russian bases in Northern Europe. The missile corvette was relocated from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean in January 2021 and has to be overhauled after three years in Tartus. The convoy has been shadowed by several NATO ships since the start of May. In the North Sea, the Dutch corvette 'Holland' as well as the British patrol ship "Tyne" and the Belgian patrol boat "Castor". The convoy used the so-called Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the North Sea states, where an internationally agreed right of free passage applies. The "Kildin", the "Sparta IV" and the "Orekhovo-Zuevo" sailed through the Great Belt and the Fehmarn Belt into the Baltic Sea on May 25. Along German territorial waters, the Federal Police monitored the Russian ships with the "Bayreuth" and "Neustadt". The "Sparta IV" had loaded military supplies from Syria for Baltiysk, the military port of the Kaliningrad Oblast. For the heavy-lift ship, this is already the second trip with military supplies from Syria to Kaliningrad. The two landing ships and the tanker are still in the North Sea. They are expected to continue to their home port on the Kolafjord near Murmansk during the week. It is not known what the ships are loaded with. The reason for the units' long journey is the Russian Navy's lack of shipyard capacity in Syria. There are no docks for its units in the Mediterranean. Photos: https://x.com/kon_marine/status/1793650665740534179