Japan Sanctions 35 Russia-Linked Shadow Fleet Vessels
5, October 2026
Japan has imposed sanctions on 35 Russia-linked shadow fleet vessels, extending restrictions to maritime services and vessel-related transactions.
shadow fleet
CSG warns geopolitical risks and shadow fleet threaten global shipping rules
10, September 2026
The Consultative Shipping Group warns that geopolitical tensions, unilateral trade measures and the shadow fleet are putting pressure on global shipping rules and freedom of navigation.
Bella 1 Master Pleads Guilty After Atlantic Coast Guard Pursuit
13, June 2026
The master of shadow fleet tanker Bella 1 pleaded guilty after refusing U.S. Coast Guard orders during an Atlantic interdiction case linked to Iran-origin oil movements.
Madagascar Sounds Alarm on Fake Flag Papers
18, February 2026
Madagascar notified the IMO after nine vessels presented documents implying Madagascan registration despite no international registry, as Windward data shows wider 2025 misuse of fraudulent flags.
Russia warns UK over shadow fleet tanker checks
22, January 2026
Russia has warned the UK against joining European efforts to stop and inspect “shadow fleet” tankers carrying Russian crude, as London weighs joint enforcement with EU partners in nearby waters.
Italy Seizes Bulker Over Russian Metal
19, January 2026
Italian financial police in Brindisi seized a Tuvalu-flagged bulk carrier loaded with black metal after uncovering a concealed Novorossiysk call, an AIS blackout and suspected falsified voyage documents.
Sanctioned tanker Qendil aground off Bozcaada
5, January 2026
Sanctioned shadow-fleet tanker Qendil has run aground near Bozcaada in the Aegean while in ballast, prompting a KEGM tug response. No casualties or pollution have been reported so far.
Swedish navy: military on Russian shadow tankers
17, December 2025
Sweden’s navy reports Russian uniformed, possibly armed personnel on shadow-fleet oil tankers in the Baltic, and notes Russia’s growing “grey” VLCC and suezmax fleets in the global tanker market.
Ukraine hits third Russian shadow fleet tanker
11, December 2025
A Comoros-flagged tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet has become the third vessel hit by a Ukrainian sea drone in the Black Sea, unsettling shipping and pushing up war-risk costs as Moscow issues new threats.
