EU implements UN sanctions on Cameroon-flagged AVAX over illicit Libyan petroleum trade

BRUSSELS, Aug. 7, 2026 — The European Union added the Cameroon-flagged vessel AVAX to its Libya sanctions regime Friday, implementing a United Nations designation that restricts the ship's movements, services and petroleum-related financial transactions.

The UN Security Council committee established under Resolution 1970 designated AVAX on July 22, prompting the EU to amend its sanctions list under Decision 2015/1333 concerning Libya. The EU decision entered into force on publication in the Official Journal.

AVAX, International Maritime Organization number 9058713, is subject to prohibitions on loading, transporting or discharging petroleum, entering ports and receiving bunkering or other vessel services. Financial transactions involving petroleum in relation to the vessel are also prohibited.

The restrictions implement measures established under UN Security Council Resolution 2146 and subsequently amended and extended by later resolutions.

The EU document said the designation remains valid from July 22, 2026, until July 22, 2027, unless the UN sanctions committee terminates it earlier.

AVAX is listed as sailing under the flag of Cameroon. According to the designation, the vessel was located near the anchorage area of Benghazi Old Harbour in Libya as of April 4.

The action forms part of international measures designed to prevent unauthorized exports of petroleum from Libya and ensure that shipping, port and financial services are not used to facilitate sanctioned petroleum transactions.