SBU Seizes ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessel in Odesa Port Tied to Illegal Exports from Occupied Crimea
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained a foreign cargo ship in Odesa that was part of Russia’s shadow fleet, used to illegally transport goods from occupied territories and bypass international sanctions. The vessel had been involved in exporting Ukrainian agricultural products from Russian-occupied Crimea. Its owner was under Ukrainian sanctions and allegedly attempted to evade restrictions by repeatedly changing the ship’s name and nominal ownership through third countries.
The ship was detained in Odesa’s commercial port after arriving under the flag of an African country, reportedly to load a shipment of steel pipes. The SBU says the vessel had docked in Sevastopol at least seven times prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion, exporting grain in violation of Ukrainian law. In one documented case in January 2021, it transported nearly 7,000 tons of grain from Crimea to North Africa.
Crew and Vessel Details
At the time of the seizure, 17 crew members were on board, including the captain, all citizens of Middle Eastern countries. The vessel’s exact ownership structure remains unclear, as it had been registered under different names and flags in recent years. Ukrainian authorities have not disclosed whether any illegal goods or materials were found on board during the detention.
International Efforts to Target Shadow Fleet
Russia’s so-called shadow fleet refers to a network of vessels operating under constantly changing names, flags, and ownership structures to evade sanctions imposed over Moscow’s war against Ukraine. These ships are widely used to transport sanctioned oil across global markets, helping sustain Russia’s economy and fund its war effort.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged its partners to update legislation to allow the seizure of such vessels. France has been among the most active in targeting the network, intercepting suspected shadow fleet vessels multiple times since late 2025. In early March, Belgium conducted a joint operation with France to seize a sanctioned Russian tanker operating under a foreign flag.
On March 25, the United Kingdom announced new measures allowing its military and law enforcement to board suspected shadow fleet vessels in British waters. The international community’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet are expected to continue, as governments seek to tighten sanctions and prevent further illegal activities.
Original Article: SBU seizes ‘shadow fleet’ vessel in Odesa port tied to illegal exports from occupied Crimea — Kyivindependent