“Amar Dua: EU Targets Russia Shadow Fleet”

 By MD Rubel Islam: Global Finance News

"Updated on October 19, 2025 at 9:48 PM GMT+6 

“Amar Dua: EU moves to inspect Russia’s shadow fleet amid global energy sanctions and Ukraine conflict”

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• EU Maritime Move — Amar Dua on Europe’s action to inspect Russia’s shadow fleet

• Russia Oil Fleet — Amar Dua on sanctions against Russia’s secret oil fleet

• Sanctions Action — Amar Dua on the EU’s new maritime declaration

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EU Maritime Declaration: Russia's Shadow Fleet Under Global Scrutiny

EU’s New Maritime Declaration — A Step to Inspect Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

The European Union (EU) is moving forward with a critical step — a EU maritime declaration that will allow member states to inspect Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers.

The main goal behind this move is to ensure that Russian oil and gas revenue is not being used to finance the Ukraine war.

In a related economic context, Paramount to cut 2,000 jobs globally as part of its restructuring — highlighting how political and corporate shifts are reshaping both global media and trade landscapes.

What Is Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Why It’s Under EU Scrutiny

The term “Russia shadow fleet” refers to oil tankers that transport Russian oil and gas to other nations while evading Western sanctions.

These ships often use fake flag registrations, pretending to belong to other countries.

Shadow Fleet Size

According to EU and EEAS (European External Action Service) estimates, the shadow fleet size ranges between 600 and 1,400 vessels.

This fleet generates billions in revenue for Moscow each year — directly bypassing European Union sanctions.

EU Maritime Declaration – New Rules and Goals

As outlined in the EEAS draft, the new EU maritime declaration will allow member states to cooperate through flag states agreements, granting pre-authorised boardings for ship inspections.

Key Objectives:

• Expand oil tankers inspection

• Eliminate fake flag registrations

• Strengthen probes like the Boracay vessel investigation

• Enforce the bunkering services ban

• Implement the ban on Russian LNG imports ahead of schedule (by 2027)

The EU’s 19th Sanctions Package – Tightening the Grip on Russia

The EU has already rolled out 18 sanction packages against Russia. Now, the EU 19th sanctions package is being prepared, which will blacklist around 560 vessels and related companies.

This move strengthens Brussels sanctions and further impacts Russia’s energy industry.

Updated Deadlines:

• Russian LNG imports ban: January 1, 2027 (moved up by one year)
• Tanker refuelling (bunkering): to be prohibited for Russian fleets

G7 Cooperation – A Global United Front

Beyond Europe, the G7 cooperation on sanctions is becoming more unified.

G7 nations are working together to ensure sanctions enforcement and close loopholes that allow Russia to bypass restrictions.

G7 Goals:

• Shrink Russia’s alternative oil markets
• Strengthen maritime security
• Target countries aiding sanction evasion

EU Member Actions – France, Estonia, Germany, and Finland Lead the Way

Several EU nations have already taken direct measures:

• France: launched the Boracay vessel investigation
• Estonia: detained the Kiwala ship
• Germany: acted against Eventin
• Finland: investigating the Eagle S oil tanker

These examples show that EU Member States increasingly demonstrate robust enforcement actions against the shadow fleet.

Why This Move Matters

This initiative is not just political — it has major implications for the global energy industry.

Russia remains one of the world’s largest oil exporters, and effective European Union sanctions could significantly reduce its oil and gas revenue, thereby limiting funding for the Ukraine war.

Maritime Security and Future Challenges

Ensuring maritime security is now a top EU priority.

The shadow fleet and fake flag registrations pose serious risks to European ports — from oil spills to smuggling and illegal trade.

Through the new declaration, the EU aims to address both economic and security threats simultaneously.

The Road Ahead – Stricter Measures Expected

Following the EU foreign ministers meeting, it’s expected that sanctions enforcement will be further strengthened.

The implementation of G7 cooperation and flag states agreements will ensure tighter control over Russia’s oil trade.

If the shadow fleet can be curtailed, global oil prices will stabilize — and the economic pressure on the Ukraine war may ease.

: Conclusion — A Turning Point in the Global Energy Landscape

The EU maritime declaration is more than a policy — it’s a turning point for the global energy industry and maritime security.

This battle against Russia’s shadow fleet demonstrates that Europe is no longer a silent observer but a proactive defender of international law.

Read more details  EU targets Russia’s shadow fleet inspection