EU sanctions 41 more vessels belonging to Russia's “shadow fleet”

The Council of the European Union has expanded sanctions against Russia's so-called “shadow fleet,” adding 41 more vessels involved in oil transportation and generating revenue for the Russian budget to the list.

“These 41 vessels are therefore added to the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport,” Caliber.Az quotes the Council’s press release.

The new sanctions target “non-EU tankers that are part of Putin’s shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism or support the energy sector of Russia […].”

The fresh restrictive measures of the EU also target “[...] vessels that are responsible for transporting military equipment for Russia or involved in the transport of stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural goods from Ukraine.”

“Today’s decision -which brings the total of designated vessels to almost 600- is closely linked to recent Council decisions to list nine shadow fleet enablers and adopt a declaration by the EU and its member states on making full use of the international law of the sea framework relating to threats from the 'shadow fleet' and to the protection of critical undersea infrastructure,” the Council said.

It added that the “EU remains ready to step up pressure on Russia and its shadow fleet value chain,”  through the imposition of additional sanctions.

By Khagan Isayev