Navigating the Shadows: Europe's Coastguard Faces Russia's Sanction-Busting Fleet

Wed Nov 19 2025 04:55:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A detailed look into how European coastguards confront the growing shadow fleet of oil tankers that evade sanctions and threaten maritime law.

As Russia attempts to circumvent sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine, European coastguards encounter an increasing number of shadow ships involved in illicit oil transport. The article explores the complexities of maritime law, the challenges faced by enforcement agencies, and the implications for both security and environmental safety.

Out on the western Baltic, a coastguard officer radios a nearby, sanctioned oil tanker.

Swedish Coastguard calling… Do you consent to answer a few questions for us? Over.

Through heavy static, barely audible answers crackle over from a crew member, who gradually lists the ship's insurance details, flag state and last port of call – Suez, Egypt.

I think this ship will go up to Russia and get oil, says Swedish investigator, Jonatan Tholin.

This is the front line of Europe's uneasy standoff with Russia's so-called shadow fleet; a term that commonly refers to hundreds of tankers used to bypass a price cap on Russian oil exports.

After the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Western countries imposed sanctions on Russian energy, which Moscow is accused of dodging by shipping oil on aged tankers often with obscure ownership or insurance.

Some shadow ships are even suspected of undersea sabotage, illicit drone launches or spoofing their location data.

Out on the waves, where freedom of navigation is a golden rule, the ability and appetite of coastal countries to intervene is limited, even though the risk they face is escalating. According to reports, a growing number of these shadow ships are sailing without a valid national flag, rendering them stateless and without proper insurance.

The head of Estonia's navy, Commodore Ivo Värk, has noted the alarming trend of tankers sailing back and forth to major Russian oil terminals, stating, There's no secret made about it. Vessels classified as shadow ships have significantly increased, with surveillance revealing they now account for 62% of Russian crude oil exports, mainly to countries like China and India.

The risks associated with these operations are profound, with concerns ranging from environmental disasters from undocumented vessels to security implications with potential military confrontations such as encounters with Russian naval forces.

While European nations ramp up measures to monitor these vessels, it is evident that the growing complexity of maritime laws and the evolving tactics of shipping companies are making it increasingly difficult to enforce sanctions effectively.

The struggle against Russia's shadow fleet continues as Europe grapples with the fine line between enforcement and escalation, highlighting a crucial junction in the fight against maritime law evasion.