The European Union’s diplomatic arm, the European External Action Service (EEAS), has called on member states to support a maritime declaration that would permit EU nations, in collaboration with flag states, to conduct inspections on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, according to an EEAS document.
Strengthening inspection rights is the latest move by Brussels to cut off Moscow’s oil and gas revenues used to fund the war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers are expected to meet on Monday to deliberate on additional measures against Russia.
In early October, the Group of Seven (G7) countries agreed to cooperate on targeting nations that aid Russia in evading sanctions or have significantly increased imports of Russian oil.
“EU Member States increasingly demonstrate renewed momentum for more robust enforcement actions tackling the shadow fleet—for example, France’s action against the Boracay vessel, Estonia on Kiwala, Germany on Eventin, and Finland on Eagle S,” the EEAS background paper stated.
The document proposes “bilateral agreements between flag states and the EU on pre-authorised boardings for inspections” and warns against the growing problem of fake flag registrations.
The EEAS estimates Russia’s shadow fleet comprises between 600 and 1,400 tankers. The EU has already sanctioned more than 400 ships and related entities, with the figure expected to rise to about 560 vessels once the bloc’s 19th sanctions package is adopted, likely within the next week.
The upcoming package will also advance the planned ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by one year, to take effect on 1 January 2027, and introduce restrictions on tanker refuelling services, known as bunkering.
