United Kingdom sanctions ten vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet

On September 11, 2024, the United Kingdom announced sanctions on ten vessels deemed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of vessels that engage in unlawful practices designed to avoid sanctions on Russian oil.  The sanctions specifically target “high-volume offenders” in order to limit the most critical revenue source used by the Russian Federation to fund the war in Ukraine.  According to UK authorities, in 2023, funds from Russian oil exports accounted for roughly a quarter of Russia’s budget for the war.  The sanctions, imposed under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/855), prohibit listed ships from entering a port in the UK, and may lead to detention of the vessel, or result in a movement or port entry direction.  Sanctioned ships are not permitted to register on the UK Ship Register, and their existing registrations will be terminated.

UK Government Press Release