The European External Action Service (EEAS), the diplomatic arm of the European Union, is urging EU member states to adopt a maritime declaration that would allow coordinated inspections of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers in cooperation with flag states, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters.

The initiative forms part of the bloc’s heightened efforts to enforce sanctions and restrict revenues used by Russia to support its war in Ukraine.
In particular, the EEAS emphasises that the shadow fleet—vessels that transport Russian oil and evade sanctions through flag-of-convenience manoeuvres—is estimated at between 600 and 1,400 ships. The EU has already sanctioned more than 400 of these vessels and associated entities, with the number expected to rise to roughly 560 after the upcoming 19th sanctions package.

The proposed declaration would “enable pre-authorised boardings” of suspect vessels through bilateral agreements between the EU and flag states, a mechanism designed to tackle the growing issue of fake registrations and opaque ownership structures.
The EEAS background paper cites recent enforcement actions by France (against the vessel Boracay), Estonia (on Kiwala), Germany (on Eventin) and Finland (on Eagle S) as illustrative of renewed momentum.

Foreign ministers from member states are scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the proposal, along with other measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia’s energy export channels.

Source: Reuters