Sanctioned Tankers Shift Routes to Avoid Swedish Inspections
Tankers from Russia’s “shadow fleet” transporting crude through the Baltic Sea have begun avoiding Swedish waters after Sweden started inspecting vessels to verify their documentation, Bloomberg reports, citing ship-tracking data.
The data show that 13 of the 22 sanctioned tankers that have traveled along this route since April 7 chose to sail south of the Danish island of Bornholm instead of the usual northern passage closer to Sweden. This shift suggests that vessels suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet are adjusting their routes to avoid stricter enforcement by Swedish authorities.
Inspections and Enforcement
In late March, some of these vessels also began avoiding the English Channel following threats from the UK government to detain them. In some cases, they reroute north of Scotland instead. The shift in route is a response to increased scrutiny and enforcement efforts aimed at curbing Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on April 22 that regular inspections of shadow fleet vessels help protect Swedish waters and make it harder for such ships to operate. “Limiting Russia’s energy export revenues is the most effective way to bring Putin to the negotiating table,” he said.
Danish Route Remains Unchanged
Meanwhile, Denmark — despite tightening oversight of tanker traffic — has refrained from blocking or inspecting vessels in transit, citing international maritime law, which guarantees freedom of navigation through the Danish straits. This route remains unavoidable for tankers departing Russian Baltic ports, which are critical for the country’s oil exports.
The Boracay represents one vessel in a larger network of ships used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia. The shadow fleet’s ability to adapt and adjust its routes highlights the ongoing challenge faced by authorities seeking to enforce sanctions and prevent illegal oil trading.
Original Article: Bloomberg: Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers Begin Avoiding Swedish Waters After Inspections — Liga