Tag: dark fleet

A sanctioned Russian LNG tanker, the Pioneer, appears to be transferring its cargo to another ship in the Mediterranean, likely to bypass US sanctions.

According to UK, Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ poses a threat to the nations and others who depend on the world’s seas and oceans. Many ships in this ‘shadow fleet’ are uninsured and poorly maintained. Many engage in activities which violate basic safety and environmental standards and regulations.

Bloomberg reports that evidence suggests Russia is creating a shadow fleet for LNG, similar to its oil strategy to avoid sanctions.

Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, has started using tankers that operate off radar to supply oil to Cuba, a crucial political ally, Reuters reports. 

European Union member states have agreed on a 14th set of sanctions against Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, which notably includes new restrictions targeting Russian gas, Reuters highlights.

Denmark is exploring options to prevent a fleet of tankers, known as a "shadow fleet," from transporting Russian oil through the Baltic Sea, the country announced on 17th June, Reuters highlights.

The UK has announced 50 new sanctions to undermine Russia's war capabilities, coordinated with G7 partners, to support Ukraine. These measures target ships in Russia's "shadow fleet," key financial institutions, and suppliers aiding Russia's military production.

In response to the heightened risk of oil spills in the Baltic Sea, particularly in the Gulf of Finland, Finland is urging the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to enhance its preparedness measures.

As Reuters reports, the growing shadow fleet of tankers transporting sanctioned Iranian, Venezuelan and Russian oil is filling up with the cheapest fuel available, hindering industry efforts to use cleaner fuel to cut shipping emissions.

Flex LNG Ltd presented its first quarter 2024 results in a video webcast on May 23, 2024, where the CEO, Oystein Kalleklev, raised concerns over a Russian LNG-carrying dark fleet.