Blue-Sky

The USA imposed sanctions on the 'Marlin' for its involvement in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, as the Biden administration looks to exert more pressure on Russia without antagonizing Germany. In a report sent to Congress on Nov 22, 2021, the administration designated the Transadria Ltd., a Cyprus-based entity believed to be a Russian shell company, over pipeline work done by the 'Marlin', according to a statement from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Another vessel, the 'Blue Ship', was cited for its work on the pipeline but not sanctioned because it belongs to an entity affiliated with the German government. The construction of the pipeline was finished in September, and the first of two lines is already filled with gas. While the U.S. has longed opposed the project, it’s extending its sanctions list without provoking German leaders who are determined to see the project through. The two vessels were included in a report that the administration is required to send to Congress every 90 days as part of a law that was passed in 2020 and is meant to slow or halt completion of the pipeline.