UK targets Russian “Shadow Fleet” with new sanctions

Britain has announced sanctions on 18 Russian oil tankers and four liquefied natural gas vessels, the largest move yet against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” The fleet allegedly uses illicit methods to bypass Western restrictions on Russian oil, according to the UK government.

Authorities are collaborating with maritime agencies to demand insurance details from Russian vessels suspected of dubious coverage as they pass through the English Channel. “Any actor that facilitates and supports Russia’s malign activities could be exposing themselves to sanctions,” the government warned.

These 18 tankers, along with vessels like NS Bora, Atlas, and Moskovsky Prospect, are now barred from UK ports and maritime services, raising the total number of sanctioned Russian oil tankers to 43. The ships reportedly transported £4.9 billion ($6.37 billion) worth of oil last year.

“The UK’s relentless action against the shadow fleet is putting grit into the system and starving Putin’s war machine of crucial revenues,” the government stated. Additionally, Russian gas company Rusgazdobycha JSC was also sanctioned.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama