Russian Shadow Fleet Evolves into Multifaceted Security Challenge
Moscow uses the revenues generated from sales to states such as China, India, and Türkiye to finance its war against Ukraine. The measures taken thus far against the shadow fleet – for example in response to the use of false flags – have remained selective and temporary. They are not yet sufficient to significantly reduce Russia’s revenues derived from operating the fleet.
The restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resulting from the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran are providing an additional boost to these oil exports. Rising oil prices, combined with the dependence of India and other Asian states in particular on energy imports, offer Russia an unexpected opportunity to strengthen its economy and further replenish state revenues.
Russian Oil Exports Generate Billions in Monthly Revenues
In Russia’s case, almost half of its oil exports (48 per cent) are transported via the Baltic Sea. Approximately 1,000 vessels are deployed annually for this purpose. Through its oil exports, Russia generates more than €10 billion in monthly revenues , despite existing sanctions efforts. Consequently, the maritime routes through the Baltic Sea currently constitute the lifeline of the Russian economy.
Shadow Fleet Phenomenon Characterized by Continuous Acquisition and Concealment
The so-called Russian shadow fleet is neither an official fleet of the Russian Federation nor an exclusively Russian phenomenon. Rather, the term refers to the use of vessels for the purpose of transporting goods and, above all, oil from the Russian Federation by evading international sanctions, a practice similarly employed by states such as Venezuela and Iran . Since 2022, Russia itself is estimated to have operated between approximately 600 and 1,600 vessels in this context. The figures vary because the shadow fleet phenomenon is characterised by the continuous acquisition of additional vessels – many of them old and poorly maintained – the falsification or concealment of ownership structures and insurance arrangements, as well as the frequent re-flagging of ships under so-called flags of convenience issued by states with weak or non-existent oversight mechanisms.
EU Places 632 Tankers on Sanctions List to Contain Shadow Fleet
As part of its 20th sanctions package , adopted in April 2026, the EU placed 632 tankers on its sanctions list. Approximately 17 per cent of all oil tankers worldwide are now considered to be part of the shadow fleet.
Original Article: Measures Against the “Russian Shadow Fleet” — Swp-Berlin