The European Union has imposed new sanctions on 41 vessels identified as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," a collection of ships used to circumvent Western restrictions on its oil trade. The measures, announced Thursday, bring the total number of blacklisted ships to nearly 600.
The sanctioned vessels are now banned from accessing EU ports and are blocked from receiving key maritime services. This action is part of the EU's ongoing strategy to weaken Moscow's ability to finance its war in Ukraine.
Newly Targeted Vessels: 41
Total Blacklisted Ships: Nearly 600
Restrictions: Ban from EU ports & key maritime services
Package Number: The EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia
The sanctions highlight an ongoing cat-and-mouse game in international energy markets. In response to earlier Western sanctions and price caps, Russia has shifted a large portion of its oil exports to countries like India and China, often selling at a discount. This trade relies on a "shadow fleet" of tankers that operates outside Western insurance, financing, and shipping services.
Earlier in the same week, the EU sanctioned two Russian oil traders, Murtaza Lakhani and Etibar Eyyub, for their roles in helping Moscow circumvent crude oil export restrictions. The latest move against the vessels themselves represents a continued effort to tighten the enforcement of these measures and disrupt the logistics chain supporting Russian oil revenues.
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Source: REUTERS