EU Aims to Bolster Inspections on Russias Aging Oil Tankers Amidst Growing Concerns

The European Union is seeking to enhance the capacity of its member states to conduct inspections on Russia’s «shadow fleet» of aging oil tankers, officials announced on Monday.

France, which recently detained one of the ships, has called for stricter measures to limit the primary revenue source fueling Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

The 27-member bloc has already imposed sanctions on hundreds of tankers that Moscow uses to evade restrictions on its profitable crude oil exports.

Brussels is now presenting a new initiative aimed at establishing agreements with the countries where these ships are officially registered to streamline inspection processes.

“We are in discussions with member states to improve our coordination regarding the shadow fleet,” stated EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas during a meeting with foreign ministers.

“We need to give this more thought and find innovative solutions.”

According to a proposal seen by AFP, the EU’s diplomatic branch is encouraging member states to endorse a declaration that would permit Brussels to negotiate agreements with flag states.

“EU Member States are increasingly showing a renewed commitment to implementing stronger enforcement measures against the shadow fleet,” noted the document distributed by Brussels.

“The EU could assist Member States in their initiatives if they consent to empower the EU to negotiate agreements on their behalf for pre-approved boarding for inspections.”

The EU has estimated that the Russian «shadow fleet» consists of between 600 and 1,400 vessels.

Countries bordering the Baltic Sea have voiced concerns that EU actions in the Mediterranean region are insufficient to monitor Russian ships as they traverse the area.

However, EU officials have been cautious about increasing scrutiny of the «shadow fleet,» fearing it may set a precedent for other countries targeting European vessels worldwide.

Brussels indicated in the document that it has already intensified its engagement with nations where these vessels are registered, highlighting Panama—one of the largest shipping registries globally—which has pledged to eliminate all vessels subject to EU sanctions.