European countries have significantly tightened controls on the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ — ships used to circumvent price caps and sanctions on Russian oil. Fourteen European countries with access to the Baltic and North Seas have issued a joint warning effectively restricting passage for tankers that violate international requirements for flagging, insurance and documentation.
The statement emphasises that ships must fly the flag of only one country, have valid safety documentation and confirm insurance (preferably from members of the International Group of P&I Clubs). Tankers that do not meet these criteria or are considered ‘stateless vessels’ may be detained or redirected in accordance with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In December 2025, the European Union expanded its sanctions list, adding 41 vessels (bringing the total number of sanctioned tankers to nearly 600). These vessels are prohibited from entering EU ports, receiving any services, or obtaining insurance from European companies.
Experts note that the Baltic and North Seas remain the main bottleneck for Russian oil exports: a significant part of supplies from the ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga and St. Petersburg passes through these waters. Tighter controls in this area could seriously complicate the logistics of the ‘shadow fleet’ and reduce Russia’s revenues from selling oil at inflated prices.
EU officials emphasise that the measures are aimed not only at exerting pressure through sanctions, but also at protecting maritime security and critical underwater infrastructure in the region, which has been repeatedly exposed to risks in recent years.