Bloomberg: EU targets firms supplying fake flags to Russia’s shadow fleet

The European Union is preparing to impose new sanctions targeting three companies accused of supplying fraudulent maritime flags to oil tankers operating as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg.

The firms allegedly issued fake registrations under the flags of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten—territories that, according to the documents, do not appear in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding’s register of official flags. At least eight sanctioned vessels are said to have used these false flags.

In a warning issued to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in May, the Netherlands highlighted the issue, stating that companies had been providing “fraudulent certificates” on behalf of Sint Maarten.

The proposed measures are included in the EU’s latest package of sanctions, which is currently under negotiation among member states. The new sanctions aim to increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet and reduce the country’s oil revenue, as the bloc continues efforts to curtail Moscow’s ability to bypass existing restrictions.

The package also includes sanctions on approximately 120 additional vessels, bringing the total number of listed ships and entities to over 560. Several third-country firms allegedly enabling Russia’s energy trade are also expected to face restrictions.

As part of the broader enforcement push, some EU capitals are intensifying scrutiny of vessels operating near their territorial waters. France recently intercepted and investigated a ship that failed to provide valid proof of nationality.

President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at an EU summit in Copenhagen, emphasized the importance of enforcement, stating that “detaining suspicious oil tankers could hinder the shadow fleet’s operations.”

All EU sanctions require unanimous approval from member states before implementation. The final contents of the package may still be subject to change during negotiations.

By Sabina Mammadli