The European Union has proposed restrictions on three companies that allegedly provided fake flags to sanctioned oil tankers belonging to Russia‘s shadow fleet, Bloomberg reports, citing reviewed documents. The proposed measures are part of the latest EU sanctions package, currently under discussion among member states.
According to the documents, the firms issued false flags of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten to at least eight vessels under sanctions. None of the three territories are listed in the Paris MoU registry of official flags, meaning they are not authorized to provide such services. In May, the Netherlands alerted the International Maritime Organization that companies were issuing fraudulent certificates on behalf of Sint Maarten.
EU Targets Companies Providing Fake Flags
The proposed measures aim to increase pressure on Russia‘s shadow fleet and reduce Moscow’s oil revenues, Bloomberg writes. The package also includes sanctions on about 120 additional vessels and restrictions on several organizations in third countries that enable Russia’s energy trade.
The EU has been working to address the issue of fake flags being used by Russian tankers to circumvent sanctions. In recent months, there have been reports of Russian tankers dumping oil in European waters despite existing sanctions and service bans — exposing the continent to the risk of major environmental disasters.
Sanctions Package Targets Russia’s Energy Trade
The EU’s latest sanctions package is designed to further restrict Russia‘s ability to export oil and gas. The package includes measures aimed at reducing Moscow’s energy revenues, as well as restrictions on several organizations in third countries that enable Russia’s energy trade.
The proposed sanctions are part of a broader effort by the EU to increase pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine and other regions. The EU has been working closely with international partners to develop a coordinated response to Russia’s actions, and the latest sanctions package is seen as an important step forward in this effort.
Environmental Risks Highlighted
The use of fake flags by Russian tankers has raised concerns about the environmental risks associated with these vessels. There have been reports of oil spills and other environmental incidents involving Russian tankers, and the EU’s proposed sanctions are designed to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the European Union has proposed restrictions on three companies that allegedly provided fake flags to sanctioned oil tankers belonging to Russia‘s shadow fleet. The proposed measures are part of a broader effort by the EU to increase pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine and other regions, and are designed to reduce Moscow’s energy revenues and environmental risks.
Original Article: EU Plans Sanctions Against Fake Flags on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ — Uatv