Surge in ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships Reflagging to Russia to Dodge US Sanctions
Analysis by Lloyd’s List reveals a sharp increase in illicit “shadow fleet” vessels switching to the Russian registry in an attempt to shield themselves from US seizure. Last year, 40 suspicious ships joined the Russian registry—with 17 doing so in the last month alone—following Donald Trump’s announcement of a “blockade” on Venezuelan oil. Shipowners are […]
Russia’s ‘shadow vessels’ using false flags to skirt sanctions, report says
A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that Russia is increasingly using “shadow vessels” flying false flags to bypass international sanctions. In the first nine months of 2025, these tactics allowed the transport of millions of tonnes of oil undetected. Between January and September 2025, 113 Russian […]
UK imposes 137 new sanctions on Russia
The UK has announced 137 new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. The UK Foreign Office stated that the new sanctions will disrupt Russia’s oil revenues and render a larger portion of its already struggling stay-behind fleet dysfunctional. The statement noted that the 137 new sanctions against Russia further increase pressure on Russia’s stay-behind fleet operations. […]
US sanctioned 12 tankers and Iraqi terminal in first Iran sanctions since bombing nuclear sites
After bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities in late June amid the 12-day Israel-Iran war, the US resumed its ‘maximum pressure’ sanctions campaign on Iran. US sanctioned an Iraqi oil terminal and more than 30 individuals, entities and ‘shadow fleet’ tankers on Thursday as the “maximum pressure” sanctions campaign on Iran resumed for the first time since […]
US imposes new sanctions on Iran’s shadow fleet
The US administration imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals and vessels in various countries for intermediating in the sale and transport of Iranian oil-related products. In a statement made by the US Treasury Department, it was reported that additional sanctions were imposed on Iran’s shadow fleet as part of the ‘maximum pressure campaign’. It […]
The largest sanctions package against Russia’s shadow fleet
The UK has imposed sanctions on 30 ships belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, said to be carrying more than billions of dollars worth of oil and products. This is the UK government’s largest sanctions package of its kind, aimed at limiting the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war in Ukraine. Only half of these ships […]