The European Union plans to impose sanctions on three companies that have provided false flags to tankers of Russia‘s shadow fleet, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg.
The companies in question have allegedly provided false flags of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint-Maarten to at least eight tankers sanctioned by the EU. This move is part of the European Union’s 19th sanctions package, which member states are currently discussing.
EU Sanctions Package Targets Suppliers of False Flags
The proposed sanctions package aims to accelerate the timeline for phasing out Russian LNG imports into the bloc, from the end of 2027 to January 1, 2027, one year earlier than planned. The package also removes all remaining exemptions on Russian oil producers Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, and expands sanctions on Russia‘s shadow fleet and its enablers, including on 118 new vessels.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of cutting off revenue streams that sustain Russia‘s war economy. “Russia’s war economy is sustained by revenues from fossil fuels. We want to cut these revenues,” she said. “It is time to turn off the tap. We are prepared for this. We have been saving energy, diversifying supplies and investing in low-carbon sources of energy like never before.”
EU Member States Intensify Controls and Inspections
While the EU debates the sanctions package, some individual member states are taking proactive measures to intercept shadow fleet vessels. Denmark, for instance, has announced it is intensifying inspections on oil tankers passing through its waters, which serve as a gateway to and from the Baltic Sea. This move aims to counter Russia‘s shadow fleet movements.
The EU’s efforts to sanction providers of false flags to Russia‘s shadow fleet demonstrate its commitment to countering Russian aggression and upholding international sanctions. As the bloc continues to debate and refine its sanctions package, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact the global energy landscape.
Original Article: EU Plans to Sanction Providers of False Flags to Russia’s Shadow Fleet — Oilprice