MOSCOW, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Russia's leading tanker

group, Sovcomflot, said on Tuesday that new U.S.

sanctions would create additional operational difficulties and

accused the West of undermining the global system of merchant

shipping.

"The company's vessels do not belong to the 'shadow

fleet'", Sovcomflot said.

"The sanctions against Sovcomflot are not motivated by

violations on the part of the company and have no legal basis,

they are motivated solely by the political interests of

individual countries, including the United States."

Sovcomflot is the largest shipping company in Russia,

and a major tanker operator.

"The introduction of new sanctions against Sovcomflot

vessels creates additional operational difficulties," it said.

"Sovcomflot continues to work systematically to minimise the

negative impact of the sanctions on its operations. At the same

time, the company will continue to adhere to high standards of

safety and quality of maritime operations and comply with all

applicable laws and requirements," it said.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration imposed its

broadest package of sanctions so far targeting Russia's oil and

gas revenues on Friday.

The U.S. Treasury identified 69 Sovcomflot vessels -

including 54 oil and product tankers and four liquefied natural

gas (LNG) tankers - that are blocked.