Denmark Moves to Curb Putin’s Shadow Fleet in European Waters
Denmark will tighten control over oil tankers passing through its waters amid Europe’s efforts to stop the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet, which helps Moscow evade sanctions, Bloomberg reports.
According to the Danish government, older vessels, which are often used by the shadow fleet and pose an environmental threat due to their poor technical condition, will be subject to strict scrutiny. The move comes as European countries seek to curb the flow of Russian oil into the region, with France’s President Emmanuel Macron recently calling for the detention of oil tankers.
“We must put a stop to Putin‘s war machine. We’re using everything at our disposal,” said Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bødskov.
Shadow Fleet Grows to 1,000 Vessels, Analysts Count
Analysts have counted up to 1,000 vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet since the beginning of 2022. The European Union is preparing legal grounds to stop Russia’s shadow fleet tankers in the Baltic Sea, where one in six tankers worldwide belongs to Russia’s shadow fleet, accounting for approximately 17% of the total number of active tankers.
Prosecutors Investigate Vessel Refusal
Meanwhile, prosecutors in France are investigating a case involving a vessel that failed to provide proof of its national affiliation and flag and refused to comply with the navy’s demands. The incident highlights concerns over the environmental impact of Russia’s shadow fleet, which continues to discharge oil near Europe’s shores despite sanctions.
Russia’s shadow fleet tankers raise fears in the EU of an environmental disaster.
Original Article: Denmark moves to curb Putin’s shadow fleet in European waters – Bloomberg — Rbc