Shadow Fleet Grows to 600 Vessels, World Bank Reports
Russia has taken measures to protect its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers by placing individuals with military and intelligence backgrounds aboard vessels used to transport sanctioned crude through the Baltic Sea, according to a joint regional investigation. The move is seen as an attempt to deter authorities from boarding or seizing tankers that carry Russian oil despite Western sanctions.
The joint investigation identified 20 voyages and found 17 Russian nationals sailing on shadow fleet vessels in the Gulf of Finland. Many of these individuals appeared on manifests without maritime qualifications and were listed as “supernumeraries,” or those not part of the ship’s standard operating crew. Over a dozen of the individuals were linked to Moscow’s state-funded Wagner Group, paratrooper units, and the GRU military intelligence service.
Security Teams, Liaisons
European intelligence officials noted that the military contractors, often two men aboard one ship, serve as covert “vessel protection teams” meant to discourage authorities from boarding or seizing tankers that carry Russian oil despite Western sanctions. They added that the groups also act as middlemen between tanker crews and the Russian Armed Forces units operating in the region.
Deployments involve uniformed personnel with weapons, while other vessels use mannequins resembling guards on deck to create the impression of heavier security. According to an intelligence official familiar with the matter, the increase of the shadow fleet in the region “raises the stakes” for any attempts to disrupt Russia‘s oil trade.
Risk Calculus
The presence of these vessel protection teams has changed the risk calculus for NATO member states along the Baltic Sea. As one intelligence official explained, “Two potentially armed individuals certainly changes our risk calculus when we must decide whether to stop or seize the tanker.” The move is seen as a way for Russia to make NATO member states more cautious and less likely to take action against its oil tankers.
The use of mercenaries and intelligence operatives to guard Russian oil tankers has raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the region. As tensions between Russia and Western nations continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the global energy market and international relations.
Original Article: Russia Using Mercenaries, Intel Operatives to Guard ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers — Thedefensepost