The so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia consists of over 1,800 vessels, of which about 1,500 are oil tankers used for exporting crude oil and petroleum products in circumvention of international sanctions. This activity not only helps Russia evade restrictions but also creates a serious environmental threat.
This is reported by Finway
Condition of the Fleet and Oil Spill Risks
According to the Financial Times, more than 50% of these tankers are in unsatisfactory technical condition, which increases the risk of large-scale oil spills. As noted by GMS Partnership CEO Anil Sharma,
“at least a third of these tankers need to be decommissioned immediately.”
The brokerage firm Clarksons confirms that most of the vessels have already exceeded 20 years of age — the threshold after which cargo ships are typically retired from service and sent for scrap.
Impact on Budget and Military Actions
Despite sanctions, the owners of these tankers continue to use them due to the high profitability of oil trading. According to various experts, revenues from oil sales through the shadow fleet account for up to 35-40% of Russia’s budget, allowing for the funding of the war against Ukraine.
Additionally, due to movement restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz, some outdated tankers are not decommissioned but are used as floating storage for oil. This practice only exacerbates environmental risks, as the likelihood of accidents on old vessels increases.