Photo: sud.ua.
Today, the UK announced the largest package of sanctions yet against Russia’s shadowy fleet, targeting 30 oil tankers and the insurance companies that service them. The move, according to British officials, is intended to limit the Kremlin’s ability to finance its illegal war in Ukraine and reduce risks to global security and trade. Over the past year, these vessels have transported oil and oil products worth more than $4.3 billion. This was reported by the Time UkraineIsrael portal, citing the press service of the British government.
Sanctions against ships and insurance companies
The total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK has reached 73, more than any other country, demonstrating London’s leadership in the fight against the shadow fleet. Under the new measures, the UK sanctions target vessels that have systematically violated safety standards, posing significant risks to the environment and international navigation.
The sanctions restrictions include a ban on entering UK ports, detention or arrest of vessels, and blocking of registration opportunities. In addition, the oil price cap no longer applies to services related to these tankers, which increases financial pressure on Moscow.
Sanctioned tankers
The sanctions list includes vessels that are actively involved in the Russian oil market:
- IMO 9412359 (Belgorod)
- IMO 9331153 (Delvina)
- IMO 9411020 (Bratsk)
- IMO 9410894 (Valour)
- IMO 9410870 (HS Everett)
- IMO 9312896 (Krasnoyarsk)
- IMO 9402471 (Feng Shou)
- IMO 9331141 (Kelly Grace)
- IMO 9259185 (Daksha)
- IMO 9312884 (Kemerovo)
- IMO 9610808 (Anatoly Kolodkin)
- IMO 9341093 (Kolomna)
- IMO 9610793 (“Georgy Maslov”)
- IMO 9610810 (Viktor Bakayev)
- IMO 9413559 (Antarctica)
- IMO 9314167 (Agnes)
- IMO 9436941 (Attica)
- IMO 9299721 (Cepheus)
- IMO 9290309 (“Thea”)
- IMO 9321847 (“Emily S”)
- IMO 9274434 (“Nanda Devi”)
- IMO 9297371 (“Suleyman I”)
- IMO 9319882 (Atalanta)
- IMO 9289752 (Ariadne)
- IMO 9353096 (“Guru”)
- IMO 9232888 (“Ksena”)
- IMO 9249130 (Chile)
- IMO 9250531, (“Python”)
- IMO 9250543 (“Neomi”)
- IMO 9250892 (Mikati)
The sanctions also targeted the insurance companies AlfaStrakhovanie and VSK, which provide services to shadow fleet vessels, which is why Russia faces additional difficulties in ensuring its oil logistics.
UK position and international support
During the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on partners to increase sanctions pressure on the Kremlin and ensure sustained support for Ukraine. More than 46 countries, including the EU, supported the UK’s initiative to act against the shadow fleet, expressing their readiness to cooperate more closely with London on this issue.
The importance of sanctions pressure is underscored by Moscow’s growing cooperation with states such as North Korea and Iran, which provide equipment and support to continue the war. Recently, Russia has even been forced to turn to North Korea for military assistance, which underscores the effectiveness of British sanctions in suppressing the Russian military machine.
Risks and security
The British sanctions are also aimed at reducing the environmental risks posed by the shadow fleet due to the low level of compliance with safety standards. Many of the vessels in this fleet use deceptive shipping practices, which increases the likelihood of catastrophic oil spills and damage to the marine ecosystem.
The UK is determined to continue to work with its partners to protect international trade and ensure security in the world’s waters.
