UK and European countries to step up inspections of russian oil fleet

The United Kingdom plans to appeal to several EU member states to take action against the so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers used by russia to evade international sanctions.

Bloomberg writes about this, citing interlocutors who are familiar with this issue, as well as documents that have come to the attention of the publication's editorial board.

According to the draft statement, an “unspecified number” of governments are to approve the plan on the sidelines of a meeting of the European Political Community, which is being held in the UK on Thursday, July 18, by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

It is noted that they aim to exchange information about the russian fleet, “to coordinate our responses to the risks posed by its ships and proxies. The document also refers to working with the private sector and other maritime stakeholders to address the threat.

Officials and experts from different countries will form a group and meet to urgently “take concrete action.”

Countries are trying to make it even harder for russia to make money from its oil resources.

russia's “shadow fleet” is becoming a threat to our countries and others that depend on the world's seas and oceans. Many of the ships in this “shadow fleet” are uninsured and poorly maintained. Many of them are engaged in activities that violate its basic standards and rules for safety and environmental protection,” the document says.

In addition, according to one of the publication's interlocutors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, sanctions may be imposed on more russian shadow fleet vessels.

Source: Bloomberg