EU to ban 25 Russian tankers from sailing in Baltic and North Seas – Media
Photo: The EU will ban 25 Russian tankers from sailing in the Baltic and North Seas (Getty Images)
The European Union is preparing a new blow to Russia's shadow fleet. Specifically, the EU plans to ban 25 Russian oil tankers from sailing in the Baltic and North Seas, EUobserver reports.
According to the outlet, around 25 oil tankers, which will soon be included in the list of the shadow fleet, are currently navigating the Baltic and North Seas, posing risks of oil spills or cable-cutting incidents.
Under a proposal by the European Commission seen by EUobserver, these vessels are among 149 vessels to be added to the EU's blacklist, which helps Russia avoid the Western oil embargo.
Being blacklisted would prohibit them from entering EU ports or receiving services from EU-based maritime firms, such as insurance, repairs, or refueling.
It is noted that, according to sea trackers, as of May 12, 11 Russian tankers were in the Gulf of Finland, two were in the western parts of the Baltic, and another 12 were near the British Isles.
EU targets Russia’s shadow fleet
The media recently reported that the EU is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia aimed at its so-called shadow fleet - hundreds of tankers used by the Kremlin to circumvent the oil embargo.
The sanctions proposed by the European Commission will cover 60 individuals and legal entities and include restrictions on about 150 vessels.
Thus, the total number of vessels on the EU sanctions list will exceed 300.
