EU countries issue warning to Russia's shadow fleet tankers
Photo: Tankers belonging to the shadow fleet warned about flag and document requirements (Getty Images)
A group of 14 EU countries has warned Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Baltic and North Seas. Those that do not meet certain requirements will be considered stateless vessels, according to Bloomberg.
In a joint statement, the countries said that tankers can only sail under the flag of one state and must have valid safety and insurance documents. Vessels that do not comply with these requirements will be considered stateless vessels under a global maritime treaty.
By recognizing tankers as stateless, countries can strengthen their ability to intervene in the activities of such vessels.
Bloomberg notes that the statement formalizes the actions that several EU countries have taken in recent weeks, increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet vessels.
European countries have accused Russia of interfering with satellite positioning and navigation systems, which threatens international shipping.
The statement also emphasizes the need to develop alternative land-based radio navigation systems that will serve as a backup in case of disruption to satellite systems.
Russia's shadow fleet
On January 22, the French navy detained a Russian tanker sailing from Russia. It is part of the shadow fleet and was under sanctions.
In addition, on January 21, the US armed forces detained the oil tanker Sagitta in the Caribbean Sea, which is under sanctions and is part of the Russian shadow fleet. In total, there have been seven such detentions.
Russia's shadow fleet consists of at least 900 vessels, mostly obsolete tankers flying false flags, with dubious owners and opaque registration. They transport sanctioned Russian oil, mainly to China and India.
