The outdated tankers of the Russian Federation’s so-called “shadow fleet” are environmental time bombs, researchers at the University of Oslo’s Center for Transport Security have said. They stress the need to step up the fight against Russian tankers
Experts find that Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent international sanctions imposed in response to its aggressive war, is the main source of funding for the country’s military budget. This allows the Kremlin to continue its war against Ukraine and support the entire rules-based international order. Second, the rapid and intensive growth of Russia’s shadow fleet is accompanied by numerous negative risks for the region. These outdated vessels without a regulatory eye are environmental time bombs»
These vessels do not have adequate insurance, in particular against losses such as oil spills, and therefore the environmental consequences of any open accident, similar to the one that occurred with Russian tankers in the Black Sea last December, would effectively eliminate the affected country itself.
The researchers emphasize the importance of introducing enhanced sanctions against Russia’s «shadow fleet» and implementing active measures against violating ships, including increasing the number of arrests.
