Parliamentary question | Flags of convenience for the Russian shadow fleet | E-004107/2025 | European Parliament

The Russian shadow fleet is notoriously difficult to track because of constant changes of name and flag, unclear ownership structures and lack of insurance. Countries such as Panama, Barbados, Gabon and Guinea provide flags of convenience to vessels linked to the Russian shadow fleet. This enables these vessels to continue their activities despite EU sanctions against Russia. The shadow fleet transports oil on rusty, often uninsured ships with unclear ownership. Over the past year, at least five tankers from the Russian shadow fleet have caused oil spills in European waters.