According to a recent research paper by Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ has become an urgent focus for Western governments. Published on the IISS website (https://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2025/01/russias-shadow-fleet-and-sanctions-evasion/), the report examines how these clandestine vessels are allegedly employed to evade sanctions and potentially conduct hybrid warfare activities against the West.At a workshop convened by the IISS and the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre in November 2024, officials, maritime experts and academics discussed possible countermeasures. Key recommendations include stricter implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reinterpreting the right of ‘innocent passage,’ and closing loopholes related to insurance and environmental regulations.Childs argues that, given the complexity of global shipping, there is no single solution. Instead, he suggests a comprehensive strategy targeting multiple aspects of these operations: from cargo owners and flag states to port authorities and crew regulations. Despite concerns over potential retaliation and the fragmentation of international norms, the report emphasizes that any effective approach must be transparent, internationally consistent, and underpinned by a clear legal rationale.
TANKERS
03 February 2025 - 16:24
Update: 03 February 2025 - 16:31
Western Allies Seek to Rein in Russia's Shadow Fleet
Governments consider tighter enforcement of maritime laws to curb Russia’s sanctions-evasion fleet, raising concerns of conflict escalation.
TANKERS
03 February 2025 - 16:24
Update: 03 February 2025 - 16:31
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