EU Sanctions 41 More Russia Shadow Fleet Vessels | Mariner News
The European Union has significantly ramped up its efforts against Russia’s illicit oil trade, imposing sanctions on an additional 41 vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet. This latest move targets ships operating outside conventional Western maritime industry regulations, bringing the total number of designated vessels to nearly 600. The aim is to further restrict Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine by curtailing its lucrative oil exports.
Impact of New Maritime Sanctions
These new maritime sanctions mean the targeted vessels are now prohibited from entering EU ports and can no longer access a broad array of maritime transport services. This critical measure aims to disrupt the logistics and financial mechanisms supporting Russia’s crude exports. The EU’s ongoing strategy seeks to close loopholes that Russia has exploited to circumvent previous restrictions.
Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Oil Trade
Despite 19 previous packages of shipping sanctions, Russia has demonstrated resilience, adapting its operations to maintain oil sales. Millions of barrels of Russian oil continue to reach markets in India and China, often at discounted prices, predominantly transported by this growing shadow fleet. These vessels operate to bypass international monitoring and service providers. The EU remains committed to tightening the noose on these illicit activities, recently also targeting key oil traders enabling Moscow’s circumvention efforts. The global shipping industry continues to watch these developments closely.
