As Europe tightens measures on shadow fleet tankers, Russia signals military response to perceived threats against its oil transport.
European countries are preparing to implement stricter measures against 'shadow fleet' tankers that carry a significant portion of Russian oil and are often poorly regulated and inadequately insured. Harsh statements have come from Moscow. Nikolay Patrushev, a close associate of the Kremlin, characterized the West's potential interventions as 'piracy' and warned that the Russian Navy could respond.
Speaking to Argumenty i Fakty, Patrushev claimed that Europe is preparing to take an active role in blocking tanker traffic linked to Russia. He implied that if such initiatives continue, the navy could intervene.
Patrushev stated, 'The Europeans are deliberately pursuing a military escalation scenario, testing the limits of our patience and provoking active retaliatory measures. If a peaceful solution cannot be found to this situation, the blockade will be broken by the Russian Navy.' He also referred to European-flagged vessels, saying, 'Many ships are sailing under European flags at sea. We can also be interested in what they are carrying and where they are going.'
Baltic Transits and Inspections
So far, the so-called 'secret fleet' has been able to move largely freely in and out of Russia's oil loading terminals in the Baltic. Tankers, often lacking valid insurance or a clear flag state, pass through the Kattegat and the North Sea on their way to China and India; some of these transits occur under the supervision of Russian paramilitary elements.
In suspicious situations, European Union security forces can search and inspect tankers. However, it is reported that around 240 ships entered and exited the Baltic without issues last year. This situation is expected to change with new engagement rules.
Patrushev remarked, 'Attacks on our ships and cargoes will increase. If a decisive response is not given, England, France, and the Baltic countries may soon try to completely block Russia's access to the seas in the Atlantic basin.'
Legal Debate and Sanction Plans
Patrushev, a former KGB officer who served with Putin during the Soviet era, argued that a potential maritime blockade would be contrary to international law. He also described the EU's concept of a 'shadow fleet' as a 'legal fiction.'
The new measures prepared by Europe are expected to significantly impact the majority of the tanker tonnage carrying Russian oil. Among the plans is to go beyond the current regulations that allow shipments below $45 per barrel, effectively closing European maritime services to Russian oil.
In this case, it is assessed that 'clean' ships deemed suitable for European shipowners will withdraw from Russian trade, while demand for the shadow fleet will increase. In response, Europe is preparing for the possibility of tanker interventions at sea.
Limits of the Russian Navy
Russian warships are currently escorting tankers and logistics vessels in the English Channel and the Baltic Sea. However, the capacity of the Russian Navy is limited.
Patrushev acknowledged that the navy is 'under serious pressure.' Military activities in Ukraine and Syria, the wear and tear of the Black Sea Fleet, the closure of the Turkish Straits to warships, the loss of the Tartus base, and problems in shipbuilding due to sanctions are straining the navy.
Personnel issues are also noteworthy. Due to the increased manpower needs from the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, some ship crews have been transferred to ground forces. It is reported that personnel from the inactive aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov have even been sent to the front lines.
Emphasis on Unmanned Fleet
Patrushev pointed to new technologies as a way to overcome these issues. He highlighted the possibility of developing a 'high-tech fleet' composed of corvette-sized or larger unmanned vessels.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
