The UK imposes sanctions against 30 vessels of the Russian “shadow fleet”

26 November, 2024 Tanker IMO 9412359 (BELGOROD) from the sanctions list. Source: Marine Traffic. The UK government has imposed sanctions against thirty vessels of the Russian Federation's "shadow fleet."

This is stated on the website of the British government. The vessels reportedly transported oil and oil products worth £4.3 billion over the past year. The government emphasizes that this step will further limit the Kremlin's ability to finance the war in Ukraine and malicious activities around the world.

In addition, this package of sanctions will also increase the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 73 - more than any other country in the world.

Tanker IMO 9402471 (FENG SHOU) from the sanctions list. Source: Maritime Optima

"The shadow fleet also poses significant risks to global trade. Many of these vessels use deceptive shipping practices and pose a danger to the environment - many tankers grossly disregard basic safety standards, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic oil spills," the statement reads.

On October 18, it was reported that the United Kingdom announced a package of sanctions against the Russian Federation's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers. At that time, the sanctions concerned 18 Russian oil tankers and four liquefied natural gas tankers. In addition to failing to comply with environmental regulations and frequent oil spills, Russian "shadow fleet" ships often turn off transponders to avoid tracking.

Tanker IMO 9610793 (GEORGY MASLOV).

Source: Marine Traffic

In early October, Ukraine also confiscated a cargo ship that illegally entered the ports of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The USKO MFU cargo ship flying the flag of Cameroon, which illegally entered the ports of temporarily occupied Crimea to carry out commercial activities, was detained in the Odesa region by the Sea Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, together with other law enforcement agencies.

It is reported that during 2023-2024, the vessel repeatedly docked in the seaport of Sevastopol and loaded agricultural products, particularly on behalf of a Turkish company.