The European Union has broadened its sanctions regime targeting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, now including vessels that provide bunkering and other support services, according to Ship & Bunker. The change was introduced as part of the EU’s 21st sanctions package, announced on Thursday.
Previously, sanctions had focused primarily on oil tankers carrying Russian crude. According to Ship & Bunker, the expanded measures now extend to ships that help sustain shadow fleet operations, even if those vessels are not directly transporting Russian oil themselves.
More Vessels Added to Sanctions List
The latest package adds 41 additional vessels to the EU’s sanctions list, bringing the total number of designated ships to 673, Ship & Bunker reports. The bloc also sanctioned companies and individuals linked to supporting the shadow fleet’s operations.
Notably, Ship & Bunker reports that this marks the first time a crewing agency connected to shadow fleet activity has been included in the sanctions designations.
New Rules for LNG Tanker Sales
Alongside the shipping-related measures, the EU has introduced new requirements concerning the sale of LNG tankers, according to Ship & Bunker. Sellers are now required to notify authorities when selling LNG tankers.
The legislation also establishes a legal basis for potential future restrictions on LNG tanker sales to Russian individuals and companies, aimed at reducing the risk of vessels being diverted for Russian use, Ship & Bunker notes.
According to Ship & Bunker, these measures form part of a wider sanctions package intended to reduce Russia’s energy revenues and limit its ability to circumvent existing restrictions through maritime transport.
Does this matter to you?
The expansion of sanctions to include bunkering and support vessels, rather than just crude-carrying tankers, widens the scope of compliance risk across the maritime supply chain. Bunker suppliers, traders, and vessel operators involved in fuel delivery services may need to exercise increased diligence when dealing with counterparties or vessels that could be connected to shadow fleet operations.
The addition of a crewing agency to the sanctions list, as reported by Ship & Bunker, also signals that due diligence obligations may extend beyond vessel ownership and cargo to service providers more broadly. For companies involved in ship management, crewing, or vessel sales, particularly involving LNG carriers, the new notification requirements introduced by the EU could introduce additional administrative and compliance steps.
The source material does not provide further detail on enforcement mechanisms or specific compliance procedures resulting from these changes.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
