The next big oil disaster will come from the ‘shadow fleet,’ — Callas
12.10.2026 - 12:05
About 670 vessels of the “shadow fleet” are currently under EU sanctions, although the total fleet size exceeds 1,480.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaia Kallas has warned of the threat of a large-scale oil spill off European shores due to the Russian “shadow fleet”. This is reported by NTV.
She called these vessels “ecological time bombs” – due to their advanced age, poor maintenance and insufficient insurance.
“There is a high probability that the next major oil disaster off our coasts will come from the shadow fleet,” Kallas said.
In recent months, the EU has conducted six inspections as part of the fight against this fleet. Each such operation on board a vessel costs Russia time and money, the diplomat explained.
However, the greatest pressure on Moscow, she said, is exerted by diplomatic measures. In particular, at the request of the EU, African countries have removed hundreds of vessels from their registers.
“Losing the flag makes a tanker more vulnerable to inspections and seizures, and makes authorities, insurers, banks and traders hesitant to do business with it,” Kallas said.
The EU has currently imposed sanctions on around 670 vessels. For comparison: according to the GUR, the total number of “shadow fleet” exceeds 1,480 units – that is, the restrictions cover less than half.
Recall that in April 2026, the Swedish coast guard boarded a sanctioned tanker suspected of causing a 12-kilometer oil spill in the Baltic Sea.
The EU also intends to expand its naval mission in the Mediterranean to counter the “shadow fleet” and protect underwater infrastructure. In early August, the Irini mission inspected the Toa Payoh tanker to verify its nationality.
USM recently wrote that the UK has announced a new package of sanctions against the Russian “shadow fleet” and financial infrastructure that helps Russia circumvent restrictions.
