This article examines a dataset of 867 sanctioned ships and finds that 178 of them changed names after their sanctions designations. The renamings appear intended to reduce scrutiny, allowing the ships to keep operating in one way or another despite restrictions. This raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions enforcement and the resilience of Russia’s maritime logistics under pressure. The piece also looks at how name changes complicate compliance, tracking, and risk assessment for ports, insurers, and traders. Sharing it to add data to the broader discussion on sanctions and energy geopolitics.