FEBRUARY 3, 2026 CIRCULAR NO. 04/26TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Dear Member:
RUSSIAN LNG IMPORT BAN UPDATE: EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
On January 26, 2026, the 27 EU Member states formally adopted the ban on the import of LNG into the EU, as previously detailed in the 19th EU sanctions package and in Circular No. 25/25. Further, the FAQs published on November 21, 2025 confirmed that the prohibition includes not only the import of Russian LNG into the EU but also the transport of Russian LNG to third countries. It is also prohibited to provide technical or financial assistance, including insurance, related to these prohibitions. Members are reminded of the applicable wind-down periods as set out in Circular No. 25/25.
Yours faithfully,
Dorothea Ioannou, CEO Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for THE AMERICAN CLUB
All clubs in the International Group have issued similar circulars.