IMO Chief Sees Shadow Fleet Risks Growing

By Jonathan Saul

LONDON, Jan 14 (Reuters) – The safety risks posed by unregulated oil tankers are rising, and the so-called shadow fleet is a threat to both the maritime environment and seafarers, the head of the United Nations’ shipping agency said on Tuesday.

The shadow fleet refers to hundreds of ships used by Russia to move oil, in violation of international restrictions imposed on it over the Ukraine war, as well as by oil exporters such as Iran and Venezuela hit by U.S. sanctions.

At least 65 oil tankers dropped anchor this week at multiple locations, including off the coasts of China and Russia, since the United States announced a new sanctions package on Jan. 10.

“The risk is growing in relation to the environmental impact and the safety o…