New Challenge for Sanctions Policy: US Prepares Additional Restrictions Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The Biden administration is considering broad new sanctions aimed at Russia’s covert oil fleet, primarily consisting of aging tankers engaged in global oil transportation, circumventing Western restrictions.
According to financial analysts from the Financial Times, this move could mark the first measures taken by the United States against Moscow since Trump’s return to the White House in January.
Russia’s shadow fleet plays a critical role in evading international sanctions, enabling the Kremlin to sustain high revenues from crude oil exports, especially to China and India.
These revenues fund military operations and infrastructure, dragging the world into new economic and geopolitical complexities.Given the clandestine nature of this segment of maritime transport — with vessel owners often remaining anonymous and ships avoiding cooperation with Western companies — imposing sanctions presents a significant challenge.
However, recent data indicate that targeting ships directly has proven effective.
Following such actions, the EU and the UK have adopted similar practices by adding ships to sanctions lists rather than their owners.
An FT analysis shows that 115 sanctioned oil tankers have experienced a drastic reduction in transportation volumes—from 48 million barrels per month to only 13 million—highlighting the effectiveness of these measures.Experts in energy markets suggest that increasing US and European sanctions will intensify pressure on Russia, which is already facing considerable difficulties in energy markets.
Moscow continues to ignore diplomatic proposals for a ceasefire, and military actions have intensified lately.
The Biden administration is also exploring options to strengthen economic sanctions, including secondary sanctions targeting banks and refineries that facilitate Russia’s oil trade.It’s crucial to consider not only economic impacts but also environmental risks.
The circumvention of sanctions via the shadow fleet exacerbates ecological threats, emphasizing the need for a coordinated global policy.
Only united international efforts can disrupt these pragmatic yet potentially destructive practices and uphold international maritime law.