The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air notes that the number of ships under the Russian flag grew by more than a third during this period. By the time the flag was changed, 87% of these vessels were already under sanctions.
Researchers link this to pressure from the EU, the United Kingdom and the United States on Russian vessels sailing under the flags of other countries, as well as to the detention of “shadow fleet” tankers. They point out that the Comoros and Gambia have become less likely to register vessels from Russia after British sanctions against Intershipping Services LLC, the company that issues ship flags in these countries.
According to the study’s authors, sanctions caused Panama to reduce the number of “shadow fleet” vessels by two-thirds. Barbados and Palau removed all Russian tankers sailing under their flags from their registries.
In October 2025, the “shadow fleet” numbered 101 vessels, and by the end of June 2026 — 45. The March incident involving the tanker “Arctic Metagas”, which was carrying liquefied gas and fuel oil, suffered a hull breach and drifted in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta, Italy and Libya, also contributed to the decline.
Italy appealed to the European Commission to prevent a possible environmental disaster if fuel entered the sea. Russia and other countries did not take responsibility for rescuing the tanker because its ownership structure was very complex, and then Libya boarded the vessel.
Staff at the centre believe that this case showed Russia’s inability to fulfill its obligations to countries that allow the “shadow fleet” to sail under their flags. They also write that many tankers are in worn-out and аварийном condition.
Sources
