That could spell trouble for the nation's crude exports, with the European Union ban on Russian oil set to fully kick in by December – just as G7 nations are working toward a cap on crude prices.The shortage is largely because of the increased competition for ice-class ships amid the energy crisis, S&P analyst Fotios Katsoulas said, which are necessary to make the long-distance voyages once sanctions kick in.Already, purchases for secondhand ice-class ships rose to $1 billion this year, five times what was spent in 2021, according to data from London-based shipbroker EA Gibson."The market experiences more demand for shipping, primarily driven by the shift in trade flows as a response to the European sanctions on Russian cargoes and with the insurance ban approaching," he added, predicting supply would only grow tighter into winter.But some say rerouting most Russian oil is still possible, with one US Treasury official stating that Russia could still access enough tankers to export up to 90% of its oil supplies."