The European Union and its allies have imposed sanctions on tankers from Russia's "shadow fleet". However, scientists from the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) believe this is not enough. "Sanctions on tankers should be applied 'systematically' to enforce the requirement for proper oil spill insurance," they write in a report cited by the Financial Times. Their presence on the world's waters poses a significant risk to the environment.
The "Shadow Fleet" Transports More Oil: Russians Rely on Dangerous Ships
"Most of the 'shadow fleet' vessels are old and heavily worn. They don't undergo regular maintenance and repairs, which increases the risk of failure. It is estimated that over 83% of the 'fleet' is more than 15 years old, while the average lifespan of a tanker is 20 years," writes the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM). The ownership structure of Russia's "shadow fleet" is opaque and constantly shifting. These ships are often linked to companies in the Middle East and Asia.
The size of the "fleet" fluctuates monthly, ranging between 160 and 200 tankers. According to the Financial Times, the Russians are largely indifferent to the sanctions imposed on these ships. The "shadow fleet" has increased its tanker capacity by nearly 70 percent compared to the previous year. The volume of Russian oil transported rose from 2.4 million barrels per day in June 2023 to 4.1 million in June 2024.
Could "Shadow-Free Zones" Protect Europe from Disaster?
In June 2024 alone, 70 percent of Russian oil was reportedly transported by the "shadow fleet," accounting for 89 percent of all Russian oil shipments.
Analysts from the Kyiv School of Economics warn of the potential environmental disaster these Russian ships could cause. "A disaster is waiting to happen on Europe's doorstep. Weak regulations, combined with the drastically expanded role of shadow tankers in the trade of Russian oil, mean that a major environmental catastrophe is only a matter of time," they write in their report. They suggest that one solution could be the creation of "shadow-free zones" in European waters, where tankers that do not meet European standards would be prohibited from entering.
