Russia expands its shadow fleet, Ukrainian intel reveals details
Photo: Russia expands the capabilities of the shadow fleet (Getty Images)
Russia is expanding the capabilities of its shadow fleet, which now consists of nearly 400 tankers, according to the Ukraine's defense intelligence.
Russia is changing its approach to managing its shadow fleet. In addition to the UAE, India, the Seychelles, and the Marshall Islands, it now registers companies that own or manage shadow tankers in China — particularly Hong Kong — as well as in Russia.
"Furthermore, Russia is placing vessels under the 'convenient' flags of Comoros, Curaçao, Djibouti, Guyana, Gambia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Tanzania," the report says.
The updated list of the shadow fleet now includes vessels linked to operators of Russia's tanker fleet — companies such as Fractal Marine Shipping (UAE), Gatik Ship Management (India), Sun Ship Management (UAE), and Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE).
"Since 2022, these companies have regularly changed ownership, using a 'ship juggling' tactic," intelligence officials noted.
Russia's oil export numbers through the shadow fleet
In 2024, Russia transported over 60% of its seaborne oil exports via the shadow tanker fleet, including 78% of crude oil exports and 37% of oil products.
"Russia's total seaborne oil exports are estimated at over €80 billion: €57 billion from crude oil and €26 billion from oil products," GUR calculated.
What is known about Russia's shadow fleet
Russia's shadow fleet consists of 387 tankers transporting oil and oil products with a total deadweight exceeding 57 million metric tons. The War&Sanctions portal has published an updated list of shadow fleet vessels, including 35 newly identified tankers.
These vessels conceal ship and cargo data, turn off navigation systems, and create maritime safety risks.
"High-risk STS (ship-to-ship) oil transfers are widely used — transferring oil from one tanker to another in open waters, making it harder to track the oil's origin," GUR reported.
Over 90% of the shadow tankers listed on the portal lack proper Western insurance, meaning coastal nations affected by spills or accidents may receive no compensation.
Sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet
In early February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing new sanctions against Russia, targeting captains of shadow fleet vessels.
Meanwhile, in early March, the US rejected Canada’s proposal to form a special task force to monitor sanctions violations, specifically focused on Russia’s shadow oil tankers.
For more on why Western sanctions have failed to stop Russia’s seaborne oil exports, read RBC-Ukraine's full report.
