EU to Expand Powers to Inspect Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers Evading Oil Sanctions

The European Union is moving to strengthen its legal framework for inspecting vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” amid mounting concern that these ships, used to evade oil sanctions, pose growing threats to maritime safety, the environment, and even European security.

The Gaze reports this, referring to Politico.

The plan, prepared by the European External Action Service (EEAS), would give EU member states the authority to board and inspect Russian-linked tankers suspected of operating under false flags or violating sanctions. 

The proposal also calls for bilateral agreements with flag states to allow pre-authorized inspections of suspect ships in European waters.

The document warns that the “shadow fleet,” hundreds of aging tankers transporting Russian oil through covert routes, not only finances Moscow’s war economy, but also endangers marine ecosystems and “can be used as platforms for hybrid attacks against EU territory.” 

Some vessels are even suspected of serving as launch pads for Russian drones used to surveil critical Western infrastructure and disrupt airports.

The EEAS is now working to finalize a draft declaration by the end of November 2025, which would then be presented for adoption at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. 

Once approved, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas would seek authorization from the Council of the EU to begin formal negotiations with selected flag states.

In addition to new inspection powers, the EU is considering targeting logistical support services that enable the shadow fleet, such as oil bunkering and maintenance. It is also reaching out to priority flag states and coastal nations that provide or enable such support, offering incentives to deregister sanctioned vessels.

The EEAS noted that Panama, the world’s largest ship registry, has already agreed to remove sanctioned vessels and recently announced it will no longer register ships older than 15 years.

The EU also intends to expand its sanctions list to include shipping operators, insurers, and registries involved in supporting Russia’s covert maritime network.

As The Gaze reported earlier, Danish military intelligence accused Russia of conducting a series of deliberate naval provocations in the narrow waterways connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea.