Germany is currently in the process of securing a drifting Russian oil tanker that is suspected to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to support its activities in Ukraine. The tanker, named Eventin, carrying approximately 100,000 tons of oil believed to be of Russian origin, experienced a loss of power near the German island of Rügen. As reported by Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME), three tugboats are engaged in towing the 274-meter-long Panamanian-flagged tanker to safety. The Eventin, which had departed from Russia en route to Egypt, was being towed to Sassnitz, a port on Rügen, amidst challenging stormy conditions. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed concerns about the risks associated with Russia’s reliance on outdated tankers, known as the “shadow fleet,” to circumvent sanctions and transport oil globally. The incident involving the Eventin is the latest illustration of the potential threats posed by Russia’s use of these aging vessels. The West has raised alarms over the environmental risks and security implications associated with Russia’s aging fleet, which has been involved in incidents such as oil spills and damage to undersea cables. Efforts have been made to impose sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, including the “shadow fleet,” with the aim of curbing Russia’s activities and reducing its financial resources. Furthermore, measures such as capping the price of Russian oil and targeting vessels associated with the fleet are being implemented to deter Russia from engaging in such practices.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finnish think-tank, disclosed that in the preceding month, a total of 420 vessels were involved in exporting Russian crude oil and oil products. Among these vessels, 234 were classified as “shadow tankers,” indicating vessels that operate in a manner that evades regulations or scrutiny. A concerning finding was that 30% of these shadow tankers were identified to be at least 20 years old. This revelation raises significant environmental and safety concerns.
The CREA’s report sheds light on a concerning trend in the maritime industry, where a substantial number of vessels are engaging in the transportation of Russian oil despite the sanctions imposed by the G7 countries. The utilization of shadow tankers, particularly those that are decades old, poses risks to both the environment and human safety. The implications of older vessels operating in this capacity include a higher likelihood of mechanical failures, leaks, and spills, which could have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
The CREA’s findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions and ensure compliance with international regulations governing maritime transport. The prevalence of shadow tankers exporting Russian oil highlights the challenges associated with tracking and regulating these vessels effectively. Strengthening oversight mechanisms and improving transparency within the maritime industry are crucial steps in addressing this issue.
In response to these revelations, it is imperative for regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to collaborate on implementing stricter controls and penalties for entities that violate sanctions and engage in illicit maritime activities. The risks associated with the operation of shadow tankers, particularly those that are outdated, demand a coordinated effort to mitigate potential environmental disasters and safeguard global marine ecosystems.
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