It seems we have another incident to add to the growing list of “interesting developments” at sea, involving vessels with links to Russia. This time, it’s an oil tanker carrying diesel that has suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal. The ship’s manager, Besiktas Shipping, confirmed the event, stating that seawater entered the engine room of the “Mersin,” but thankfully, the crew is safe, and there’s been no reported pollution. This is particularly noteworthy because it marks the third such incident in just a few days, all involving ships that have been involved in the movement of Russian petroleum.
The previous incidents, occurring late last week, took place in the Black Sea and involved empty tankers.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s recent strikes against two Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers using naval drones highlight a calculated approach aimed at maximizing impact while minimizing potential repercussions. It’s a strategic move, a carefully orchestrated dance where the goal is to disrupt Russia’s oil export capacity without triggering an environmental catastrophe or providing Russia with a significant propaganda victory. This isn’t just a military action; it’s a statement, a signal sent across the waters of the Black Sea and beyond.
The choice to target empty tankers is a crucial aspect of this strategy. Imagine the headlines: “Ukraine Causes Massive Oil Spill, Devastating Marine Life.”… Continue reading
On November 28th, Ukrainian Sea Baby naval drones successfully targeted two sanctioned Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea. The strikes disabled vessels linked to the Kremlin’s shadow fleet, which is known for evading international sanctions by transporting Russian oil. Both tankers, en route to a Russian port, were empty at the time of the attack. The operation, a joint effort with the Ukrainian Navy, delivered a significant blow to Russia’s oil transportation capabilities.
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On Friday, explosions caused fires on two tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea near Turkey’s Bosphorus strait. The Kairos, en route from Egypt to Russia, experienced an external impact, leading to a fire, and its 25 crew members were rescued. The Virat also reported an incident, with its 20 personnel reported in good condition. Both tankers are on a list of ships subject to sanctions against Russia, and the incidents sparked speculation about potential mine strikes.
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French authorities have boarded the Boracay, a Russia-linked tanker blacklisted by the EU, following its presence off the Danish coast during a period of mysterious drone flights. President Macron confirmed the investigation into “serious offenses” committed by the crew, though he remained cautious about directly linking the ship to the Danish drone incidents. The investigation was launched after the crew’s failure to justify the vessel’s nationality and refusal to cooperate with authorities. The Boracay is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, which are suspected of helping Russia circumvent oil export sanctions.
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During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino discussed the importance of sanctions against Russia, specifically addressing the nation’s shadow fleet. Zelenskyy commended Panama’s revocation of registration for over 200 Russian tankers. Additionally, they discussed collaborative efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the need for Panama’s support of a resolution condemning these actions. Zelenskyy also thanked Panama for their overall support.
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Russia’s oil smugglers are running out of ocean as UK freezes 100+ shadow fleet tankers, a situation that marks a significant escalation in the international effort to curb Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine. It’s excellent news, really. The aim is to pile on more sanctions, aiming to cripple Russia’s ability to fund its military operations. It’s heartening to see other countries potentially joining the movement. The strategy appears to be multifaceted, encompassing specific ships and the broader financial networks supporting them.
The approach seems to be targeting these so-called “grey fleet” vessels, which have been operating with little to no oversight, making it harder to track their movements and ownership.… Continue reading
UK targets 135 Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tankers with fresh sanctions, a move that’s certainly grabbing attention. It’s encouraging to see action being taken to address this complex issue, and the aim is clear: to further squeeze Russia’s economic lifeline. The impact of such sanctions is, of course, a subject of debate, but the intent to disrupt the flow of funds that support the war effort is undeniable.
If we’re talking about really putting the pressure on, the idea of seizing these tankers comes up. The UK has a long naval tradition, so one can imagine the sort of resources they could bring to bear if they decided to deploy their forces in an attempt to seize these ships.… Continue reading
The European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package against Russia, described as one of the strongest to date, in response to the ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Key components of the package include lowering the price cap on Russian oil, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” and imposing restrictions on the Russian banking system and Nord Stream gas pipelines. Additionally, the sanctions extend to the Russian defense and finance sectors, entities involved in indoctrinating Ukrainian children, and tighten restrictions on oil product imports via third-party countries. President Zelensky and other European leaders have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of applying pressure to Russia.
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A BBC Verify investigation revealed a Russian warship, the Boikiy, used a false identification signal while navigating the English Channel alongside two sanctioned oil tankers. Using satellite imagery and tracking data, the BBC matched the fake ID to the Boikiy, which was traveling with vessels associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet” used for transporting sanctioned oil. Experts suggest this tactic, along with recent incidents involving Russian military aircraft, may be a deliberate attempt to deter Western nations from interfering with these tankers. The Royal Navy shadowed the Boikiy during its transit through the Channel.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker