Japan has imposed an asset freeze on a Dubai-based subsidiary of Russian state carrier Sovcomflot even though ships under its management have moved to another company.

Sun Ship Management had 24 ships under management when it was sanctioned by the US authorities in December 2023 but now has none and the move by G7 member Japan appears largely symbolic.

The Dubai-based company was the only shipping company targeted by Japan among 29 companies and 11 individuals in measures announced