US Legalizes Sanctioned Oil Tankers to Cut Freight Rates and Boost Oil Access
According to Рубрика — Політика: The administration of former President Donald Trump has introduced a process aimed at legalizing oil tankers currently under sanctions, facilitating their transition out of the so-called shadow fleet. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that this initiative does not involve lifting sanctions but simply changes the legal status of the vessels. The primary goal is to reduce global freight rates and increase the availability of American crude oil on international markets.
The move comes as a response to the growing Russian shadow tanker fleet, which currently represents 17% of the world’s tanker capacity. Since 2021, Russian shadow fleet vessels have been linked to at least nine oil spills worldwide, raising environmental concerns.
Overview of the Shadow Fleet
Currently, there are approximately 1,600 sanctioned tankers operating within the global shadow fleet, nearly 1,000 of which are Russian-owned. Russia’s shadow tanker fleet, which began forming in December 2022, now represents 17% of the world’s tanker capacity. In response, the US has imposed sanctions targeting entities involved in transporting Russian oil sold above the $60 per barrel price cap.
Chris Wright: ‘We are turning “shadow” tankers into legitimate vessels. There is no lifting of sanctions.’
Regulatory Context and Environmental Concerns
On June 19, 2025, a coalition of European countries agreed to implement measures against Russia’s shadow fleet. Further regulatory action followed when President Trump, on October 20, 2026, signed an executive order suspending the enforcement of tariffs under the Graham Act-tariffs that could have impacted major purchasers of Russian oil.
This development may also prompt new discussions on stricter regulations governing the transportation of energy resources, given the environmental risks highlighted by recent oil spills.
Original Article: US Legalizes Sanctioned Oil Tankers to Cut Freight Rates and Boost Oil Access — Inkorr