Russia considers military protection for its shadow tanker fleet to counter Western sanctions and secure oil transport amid rising tensions.
Russia Plans Naval Protection for Expanding Shadow Tanker Fleet
Moscow has raised the possibility of military protection for the increasingly expanding 'shadow tanker fleet' used to circumvent Western sanctions. Russian officials indicated that naval assets could be deployed to ensure the safety of oil-carrying vessels in the event of increased pressure from Europe and its allies on energy transportation.
Following the energy and financial sanctions imposed on Russia, it is known that the country has turned to a vast network of tankers that operate outside the Western system for insurance and financing to deliver its oil and petroleum products to the global market. These vessels, referred to as the 'shadow fleet' in international maritime circles, are primarily involved in sales conducted through third countries and in transportation chains used to evade sanctions.
Recently, the European Union and G7 countries have intensified monitoring and restriction measures targeting this fleet in order to tighten the enforcement of sanctions, leading Moscow to emphasize security. Russian officials stated that the option of military escort is on the table if the tankers face 'threat or intervention.'
Experts believe that such a step could create new lines of tension in maritime security. Particularly, the presence of military assets accompanying commercial vessels in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and energy routes close to Europe could exert additional pressure on insurance costs and freight rates. Maritime insurers and shipowners point out that a potential military escort scenario could increase risk premiums.
From the perspective of energy markets, this development is interpreted as a signal of Moscow's determination to maintain the global flow of Russian oil. Analysts indicate that the shadow fleet continues to play a key role in Russia's export strategy, and any potential military protection measures will be closely monitored for both geopolitical and commercial implications.
Industry representatives anticipate that in the upcoming period, the issues of sanctions enforcement and maritime security will become increasingly intertwined, and that commercial shipping and military assets may encounter each other more frequently on the same routes in international waters.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
