The EU is considering measures to target logistical support for vessels in Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, according to a document prepared for an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers. The bloc aims to enhance its powers to board and inspect these vessels, which transport Russian oil under different flags to evade EU sanctions.
According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), these ships not only support Moscow’s war economy but also pose environmental and navigation risks. The document notes that shadow fleet vessels could threaten critical infrastructure and serve as platforms for hybrid attacks against EU territory, including acting as launch pads for Russian drones used to surveil Western sites and disrupt civilian airports.
This month, the EEAS initiated technical-level discussions on a draft EU declaration to reinforce the International Law of the Sea framework, providing a legal basis for boarding shadow fleet ships. The draft also proposes bilateral agreements between flag states and the EU on pre-authorized inspections. The EU aims to finalize the declaration by the end of November and adopt it at the next meeting of foreign ministers.
Once supported by member states, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas will seek authorization from the Council to negotiate bilateral agreements with identified flag states. The document cites growing momentum among member states for robust enforcement actions, highlighting a recent operation where French forces boarded the oil tanker Boracay, believed to be part of the shadow fleet. The ship had been off Denmark when unidentified drones caused temporary airport closures, and it was also anchored off western France.
The EU is reaching out to priority flag and coastal states that provide logistical support or bunkering services to the shadow fleet. Measures include incentives to deregister sanctioned vessels, with Panama—the world’s largest ship registry—agreeing to deregister EU-sanctioned vessels and halting registration of ships older than 15 years.
Future sanctions could include additional listings of vessels, insurers, and flag registries, as well as further restrictions targeting logistical support, such as oil bunkering, to curb the shadow fleet’s operations.