Shadow Fleet Leaves Oil Slicks in EU Waters, Investigation Finds
A joint investigation by SourceMaterial and POLITICO has uncovered at least five tankers that sailed unimpeded in European waters after leaving oil slicks in the past year, including two already sanctioned by the U.K. The findings, which draw on satellite footage from the SkyTruth NGO paired with shipping data from the Kpler commodities platform, highlight the risks to marine safety and the environment.
The investigation follows a 2024 probe by POLITICO documenting oil spills by the Russian shadow fleet. It underscores the difficulty Western governments face in throttling Russian oil exports and minimizing the risk of ecological disaster in their waters. European sanctions have blacklisted hundreds of vessels and tried to pressure flag states to prevent operations, but enforcement remains limited.
Sanctions and Enforcement
Despite efforts to target individual vessels, previous measures have not fully prevented new spills. The EU’s 19th sanctions package proposes adding 118 more Russian-linked vessels to its blacklist, while experts urge targeting the entire oil transport value chain. Some national authorities, like Estonia and France, have detained suspicious tankers, and France plans NATO-backed actions to intercept them.
However, critics argue current measures are piecemeal, allowing repeat offenses and highlighting the need for coordinated, systematic enforcement. The lack of effective action has led to a systemic risk to shipping safety and environmental protection, as the Russian-linked fleet now represents about a fifth of the global maritime fleet.
Calls for Stronger Measures
As concerns grow over the impact on marine safety and the environment, calls are increasing for stronger measures to address the issue. The EU’s sanctions package is seen as a step in the right direction, but experts argue that more needs to be done to prevent repeat offenses. The investigation highlights the need for coordinated action from governments and international organizations to minimize the risks associated with the Russian shadow fleet.
In conclusion, the joint investigation by SourceMaterial and POLITICO has shed light on the extent of oil slicks left in EU waters by at least five tankers linked to Russia. The findings underscore the need for stronger measures to address the issue and prevent repeat offenses.
Original Article: Research finds at least five shadow tankers have left oil slicks in EU waters — Safety4Sea