Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers is being targeted by Britain with its largest sanctions yet, aimed at bypassing the Western embargo on oil exports following the invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions bar 18 ships from U.K. ports, totaling 43 vessels now under sanctions.
The shadow fleet, owned by entities with opaque ownership or lacking proper insurance, has helped Russia continue selling oil despite global sanctions and price caps. The U.K. also highlighted the environmental threat posed by the fleet’s disregard for safety standards.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed determination to tighten the grip on Putin’s regime. However, recent reports show a doubling of oil exports via shadow tankers, with 70% of Russian oil exports by sea carried out through these vessels.
The new U.K. sanctions also target LNG tankers and Rusgazdobycha JSC, alongside ships owned by Sovcomflot, Russia’s largest shipping company. The measures are part of efforts to choke off revenues to Putin’s regime.
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