Europe Considers Measures Against Russian 'Shadow Fleet'

amsterdam - EU planning to take action against Russian 'shadow fleet' with possibility of ships being seized en masse.

EU Plans to Counter Russian 'Shadow Fleet'

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU has been concerned about Russia circumventing Western sanctions through a growing 'shadow fleet' of older oil tankers. These vessels often lack clear ownership or insurance information and operate in European waters.

European and American ship owners have sold at least 230 older tankers to countries like India, Vietnam, and the Seychelles to avoid sanctions, earning over 6 billion euros. Greek companies alone sold 127 ships, preventing many from being scrapped. Currently, the Russian shadow fleet accounts for 17% of global oil tankers, transporting 80% of Russian oil.

The Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland are crucial for this clandestine trade route, where ships load near St. Petersburg and travel to the North Sea. Last year, 348 ships took this route, handling 40% of Russian oil sales and generating a third of the country's defense budget.

The EU is considering blacklisting 74 ships from the shadow fleet, following the US's action on 183 vessels. Further measures may include seizing ships under anti-piracy or environmental laws. Nations could inspect and detain poorly maintained tankers in their waters.

Legal challenges exist, as national laws apply only in territorial waters. Ships have the right to free passage in international waters. Implementing national laws to seize vessels may face international legal disputes and high costs.

Additional military risks could arise if Baltic and North European countries mass-seize tankers, prompting Russian naval responses. Lithuania considers seizing ships dropping anchor just outside territorial waters to combat sanctions evasion.

Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliené of Lithuania is exploring measures to prevent sanction-evading ships from freely navigating their waters, emphasizing the need for extra actions.