The British government on Monday imposed sanctions on 30 ships linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” raising the total number of restricted vessels to 73. The move, described as the UK’s most extensive sanctions package against Moscow to date, aims to counter Russia’s efforts to bypass export bans and oil embargoes that fund its war in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the measures during a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy. The UK also sanctioned two Russian insurers accused of enabling these so-called ghost fleet vessels, which operate under dubious ownership or without proper insurance.
These vessels often transport Russian oil and gasoline under flags of convenience, allowing Moscow to circumvent international sanctions and a global oil price cap. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), half of the sanctioned ships transported over $4.3 billion worth of oil and oil products in the past year.
The new sanctions surpass similar measures by the United States, which targets 39 vessels, and the European Union, which has sanctioned 19.
“Sanctions are working,” the FCDO stated, citing Russia’s growing dependence on states like North Korea and Iran for military supplies. Two previously sanctioned oil tankers, Artemis (flagged by Gabon) and Sea Fidelity (flagged by Honduras), were reported as “idling uselessly” in the Baltic Sea since last month.
The UK’s crackdown underscores its commitment to undermining Russia’s revenue streams and bolstering Ukraine’s defense amid the ongoing conflict.
