Increasing Dilemma of Shadow Ships Defying Sanctions

Wed Feb 11 2026 11:33:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the global fleet of shadow vessels expands, a closer examination reveals their role in circumventing sanctions, particularly concerning oil transport from Russia and Iran. The implications for maritime law and international relations are considerable.

In January, a distress signal from crew members aboard a sanctioned tanker highlighted the dire circumstances within the expanding fleet of 'shadow ships.' As these vessels evade sanctions by manipulating their identities, they present a growing challenge for regulatory bodies and raise urgent questions about the enforcement of maritime law. Experts estimate that 18-19% of the tanker fleet now comprises these shadow vessels, complicating efforts to curb the flow of sanctioned oil and protect the rights of seafarers caught in this intricate web of geopolitical tension.

Increasing Dilemma of Shadow Ships Defying Sanctions

On 26 January, staff in Mumbai received an urgent e-mail from a crew member aboard a tanker off the coast of Singapore. The email detailed appalling conditions aboard the vessel named Beeta, alleging unpaid wages and inadequate provisions. Surprisingly, the tanker was actually an American-sanctioned vessel operating under a false identity.

This incident sheds light on the growing issue of a shadow fleet, comprising vessels that transport oil while evading international regulations. Currently, this expanding fleet consists of approximately 1,468 vessels, accounting for around 18-19% of the total internationally trading tanker fleet, significantly increasing since the onset of the Ukraine crisis.

Authorities worldwide are scrambling to address the challenges posed by these vessels that frequently manipulate their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to evade detection, changing names and flags to thwart tracking. Such practices escalate the difficulty for governments attempting to enforce sanctions.

The situation is further complicated by the minimal oversight faced by seafarers on these shadow vessels, often subjected to poor working conditions, exploitation, and neglect. Terms such as ghost and dark fleet describe these vessels, often understaffed and uninsured, sailing under flags of convenience.

As the international community grapples with this complex maritime dilemma, increasing military actions against shadow ships have been observed. Countries like the UK and France are engaging their naval assets to curb this illicit activity, spurred by the urge to cut off the funding of regimes engaged in conflict.

However, the net tightening around Russian oil, coupled with the urgent debate surrounding the management of shadow vessels, raises critical questions regarding the future effectiveness and scope of maritime law enforcement. The ongoing efforts to combat such practices signify a crucial intersection of commerce, diplomacy, and security within the maritime domain.