Dutch Government Submits Bill to Counter Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The Netherlands is seeking to strengthen its efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet by submitting a bill to the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would enable authorities to detain vessels sailing under false flags in the country’s exclusive economic zone and take them in for inspection.
According to Ukrinform, the bill was drafted by Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Vincent Karremans, Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, and Justice and Security Minister David van Weel. The government has emphasized that the changes are necessary not only to counter sanctions evasion but also to prevent potential espionage and sabotage targeting critical infrastructure in the North Sea.
Vessels Sailing Under False Flags
The bill would allow authorities to detain vessels sailing under false flags in the Netherlands’ exclusive economic zone and require them to proceed to an anchorage or port for inspection. If a vessel is found to be sailing under a false flag, it could then be seized, and its captain detained. The proposed legislation also provides for a maximum prison sentence of four years for sailing under a false flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The government has highlighted the potential risks associated with Russia’s shadow fleet, including the possibility of accidents involving ageing tankers that could cause significant marine pollution. Recovering cleanup costs from an uninsured shipowner would be difficult, further emphasizing the need for stricter measures to counter these vessels.
International Cooperation and Compliance
The bill was drafted urgently, and in the summer, the Council of State of the Netherlands issued an expedited advisory opinion on it. The government then provided further explanation of how the proposed measures comply with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Dutch government‘s efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet are part of a broader international effort to address the issue. Other countries, including those in Europe and Asia, have also taken steps to combat sanctions evasion and prevent potential threats to their critical infrastructure.
Original Article: The Netherlands seeks to step up its fight against Russia’s shadow fleet — Mezha