Russia’s shadow fleet: EU sanctions 41 more vessels
The Council of the European Union imposed on December 18 restrictive measures on an additional 41 vessels, that are part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and contribute to Russia’s energy revenues, a statement by the Council of the EU said.
These 41 vessels are therefore added to the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport.
“This measure is intended to target non-EU tankers that are part of Putin’s shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism or support the energy sector of Russia, or vessels that are responsible for transporting military equipment for Russia or involved in the transport of stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural goods from Ukraine,” the statement said.
The December 18 decision – which brings the total of designated vessels to almost 600 – is closely linked to recent Council decisions to list nine shadow fleet enablers and adopt a declaration by the EU and its member states on making full use of the international law of the sea framework relating to threats from the “shadow fleet” and to the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
Separately, the European Commission (EC) said in a December 18 statement that targeting the Russian shadow fleet” has been identified as a crucial chokepoint to further limit revenues Russia generates from seaborne oil exports and to impede its ability to finance the war of aggression against Ukraine.”
“By imposing constraints on the shadow fleet, the EU effectively increases costs for Russia, disrupting its maritime operations and halting its engagements with EU operators,” the EC said.
The listings also tackle the serious maritime safety and environmental risks posed by the often old and underinsured vessels of the shadow fleet, it said.
“With this decision, the EU shows its commitment to adopting new measures to step up pressure on Russia, in particular during the ongoing negotiation process of a peace agreement,” the statement said.
