Russian Shadow Fleet Flag-Changing Scams: Investigation Reveals Widespread Abuse of International Maritime Law
An investigation by the Association of Reintegration of Crimea has uncovered a widespread practice of flag-changing scams within Russia’s shadow fleet, with state-controlled classification societies playing a key role in facilitating these illegal activities. The findings are part of a broader examination of Russia’s shadow-fleet system and its role in sanctions evasion on the high seas.
In January 2026, 14 littoral states of the Baltic and North Seas issued a joint demand for compliance with basic maritime law during tanker traffic, in response to constant provocations from the Russian shadow fleet. The demand emphasized that a vessel must fly only one flag and that the presence of multiple flags on a single vessel makes it a stateless vessel, subject to detention and inspection by any state.
The investigation revealed that Russia’s shadow fleet often uses flags that impose minimal requirements on shipowners or imitates the presence of a flag without proper documentation. This has led to a mass change of flags among vessels in the shadow fleet, with 14 vessels changing their flag to Russian in July-October 2025, six in November, and 26 within a month from December 25, 2025.
Russian Classification Societies’ Role in Maritime Scams
Experts from the Association investigated the role of Russian classification societies in these maritime scams. The findings suggest that Russia’s attempt to keep ships under its own flag under close supervision did not contribute to local shipowners using their state’s nationality, as it was perceived as inconvenient due to tax and control burdens.
The introduction of two new lists by the Kremlin, the “Russian International Register of Vessels” (RIRV) and the “Russian Open Register of Ships” (ROS), aimed to streamline activities for ships operating within large investment projects. However, these registers did not gain popularity among shipowners, with port captains serving as formal entry points.
The investigation highlighted that all Russian ports are state-owned and controlled by Rosmorrechflot, making this a single bureaucratic process. The main issue lies in the lack of transparency and accountability, allowing for widespread abuse of international maritime law.
Consequences of Flag-Changing Scams
The consequences of these flag-changing scams are far-reaching, with detentions and inspections of tankers becoming more frequent. The initiators of these processes intended to evade sanctions, but the outcome has been a mass change of flags to Russian, raising questions about the legality of these “new” Russian flags under international law.
As reported by the Canadian National Post, the rapid reflagging of vessels has led to concerns about the role of Russian classification societies in facilitating maritime scams. The investigation by experts from the Association has shed light on the widespread abuse of international maritime law within Russia’s shadow fleet, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.
Call to Action
The findings of this investigation underscore the urgent need for international cooperation to address the issue of flag-changing scams and ensure compliance with basic maritime law. The 14 littoral states’ joint demand serves as a reminder that detentions and inspections are necessary measures to prevent sanctions evasion on the high seas. As the Russian shadow fleet continues to evolve, it is crucial that authorities and industry stakeholders work together to combat these illegal activities and maintain the integrity of international maritime law.
Original Article: Russian Shadow Fleet Flag-Changing Scams — Eutoday