UK Announces Largest Of Its Kind Sanctions Package On Russia’s Shadow Fleet

The UK has revealed its biggest set of sanctions yet against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of 30 oil tankers that secretly transport Russian oil to evade Western sanctions.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced this on November 25, just before a summit with G7 leaders in Italy.

Lammy says that the sanctions are meant to cut off the revenue Russia uses to fund its war in Ukraine. “We want to make sure these ships and those helping them feel the impact,” he added.

The shadow fleet is a group of ships that move Russian oil secretly, trying to evade international sanctions. They often use fake documents or sail under the flags of other countries. These ships are dangerous because many don’t follow safety rules, which increases the risk of serious oil spills.

This new package targets 30 oil tankers, namely: IMO 9314167 (“AGNES”), IMO 9413559 (“ANTARKTIKA”), IMO 9610808 (“ANATOLY KOLODKIN”), IMO 9289752 (“ARIADNE”), IMO 9319882 (“ATALANTA”), IMO 9436941 (“ATTICA”), IMO 9412359 (“BELGOROD”), IMO 9411020 (“BRATSK”), IMO 9299721 (“CEPHEUS”), IMO 9249130 (“CHILLI”), IMO 9259185 (“DAKSHA”), IMO 9331153 (“DELVINA”), IMO 9321847 (“EMILY S”), IMO 9402471 (“FENG SHOU”), IMO 9610793 (“GEORGY MASLOV”), IMO 9353096 (“GURU”), IMO 9410870 (“HS EVERETT”), IMO 9312884 (“KEMEROVO”), IMO 9331141 (“KELLY GRACE”), IMO 9341093 (“KOLOMNA”), IMO 9312896 (“KRASNOYARSK”), IMO 9232888 (“KSENA”), IMO 9250892 (“MIKATI”), IMO 9274434 (“NANDA DEVI”), IMO 9250543 (“NEOMI”), IMO 9250531 (“PYTHON”), IMO 9297371 (“SULEYMAN I”), IMO 9290309 (“THEA”), IMO 9410894 (“VALOUR”), IMO 9610810 (“VIKTOR BAKAEV”).

These ships have transferred over $4.3 billion worth of oil and fuel like gasoline in the last year. With these new sanctions, the UK has targeted 73 Russian oil tankers, more than the US (39) and the EU (19) combined.

The UK also sanctioned two Russian insurance companies, Alfastrakhovanie PLC and VSK, for providing insurance to most of these vessels. Without insurance, these tankers face more challenges operating legally.

Lammy says Russia shows no sign of wanting peace, so cutting off its money supply is essential. “Russia’s oil money is fueling the war, and we are determined to stop it,” he added.

The UK isn’t acting alone. EU and 46 other countries have joined a UK-led effort to crack down on Russia’s shadow fleet. Prime Minister Keir Starmer first announced this plan in July, and now it’s gaining support worldwide.

These sanctions aren’t just about hurting Russia financially. They also aim to protect global trade. Shadow fleet ships often don’t follow safety rules, posing a danger to the environment.

By targeting these vessels, the UK hopes to prevent oil spills and make global shipping safer.

At the G7 summit in Italy, Lammy urges more countries to support Ukraine and maintain the pressure on Russia. He will also talk with leaders from Japan and India about other global issues, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and illegal migration.

Lammy added that Kyiv will get the funds and military equipment by 2025.

The UK’s commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint defense initiative with close allies. The program, which will generate hundreds of jobs in the UK, aims to strengthen the collective defense capabilities.

The sanctions imposed by the UK have already shown positive results. Two previously sanctioned ships, the Artemis (IMO 9317949) and Sea Fidelity (IMO 9285835), are now idling in the Baltic Sea, unable to continue their operations.

The newly sanctioned KSENA (IMO 9232888) ignored UK challenges and now faces restrictions.

These sanctions prevent the targeted ships from entering UK ports, being registered in the UK, or receiving services related to oil transportation.

References: Reuters, UK gov

Source: Maritime Shipping News