EU Calls on Greece to Take Action Against Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
The European Union has called on Greece to step up its efforts to curb the activities of the “shadow fleet” used by Russia to export oil, circumventing European sanctions.
“We can all do more to close down the networks of the shadow fleet as well,” EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Kaja Kallas underlined at a joint press conference last week with Greek foreign minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in Athens. Kallas stressed that “more Russia‘s revenues come from oil, and this comes from their shadow fleet,” which helps Russia evade sanctions on oil exports.
The European Union is increasing pressure on Greece, calling for more decisive measures against the so-called “Russian shadow fleet.” Greek shipping remains the largest in the world with 5,691 ships, accounting for around 20% of the global capacity in deadweight tonnes – dwt, according to the annual 2024-2025 report of the Union of Greek Shipowners published in August.
EU Sanctions Target Maritime Registries and Shadow Fleet Vessels
The European Union has sanctioned an undisclosed number of maritime registries providing false flags to shadow fleet vessels, allowing their continued operation by creating a fraudulent impression of compliance with certification requirements. In its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, the European Union is targeting maritime registries that helped shadow ships hide their identity using fake flags.
The European Union also announced a new raft of sanctions against Russia targeting 117 vessels – on a global basis – from Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” bringing the total to 557 ships. The ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the EU and the freezing of assets will take effect as of January 1, 2027, for long-term contracts, and within six months as of the entry into force of the sanctions for short-term contracts.
Greece-Owned Fleet Dominates Global Tanker Trade
Greek shipping companies, which have long dominated the global tanker trade, maintain that their operations are fully compliant with international law. They argue that they conduct due diligence on buyers and adhere to all regulations. According to Windward analysis, fewer Greece-owned ships are tracked lifting Russian crude since August after the EU first flagged the 15% lower price cap would be introduced from September.
Under the price cap, Western marine service providers including charterers, shipowners, insurers, banks, and oil traders can’t ship Russian crude to third countries without attestation it was bought below the cap. The EU high representative referred to the new sanctions package, which will increase the pressure on Russia‘s economy.
“The sanctions are really working,” she said, highlighting that “most of Russia‘s income really comes from the shadow fleet of dirty tankers and these pose a real threat to our seas as well, when it comes to environmental worries.”
Original Article: EU calls on Greece to take action against Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ — Shippingtelegraph