The Rise of Shadow Ships: How Sanctions Are Evading Maritime Rules

Wed Feb 11 2026 09:28:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A look into the growing fleet of shadow ships that navigate global waters without abiding by sanctions. As countries like Russia and Iran utilize these vessels to transport oil secretly, what can be done to address this maritime lawlessness?

A shocking email from a crew member on a sanctioned tanker revealed the existence of growing shadow fleets that evade sanctions imposed on countries like Russia and Iran. These vessels, often poorly maintained and creatively named, are part of a complex network that allows sanctioned crude to reach global markets. Experts debate potential solutions amidst increasing frustrations in western capitals concerning this maritime issue.

This sailor's frightening revelation sheds light on a growing phenomenon known as the 'shadow fleet', comprising 1,468 vessels—an increase from their pre-invasion count of roughly 489 ships. These often aging and poorly maintained ships employ clever tactics to conceal their identities and evade sanctions.

As reported, these tankers frequently switch off or manipulate their automatic identification systems (AIS), making them harder to track. With many of these ships sailing under false flags or using stolen International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers, the linkages between their real operations and sanctioned entities are obscured.

Experts warn that this rampant maritime evasion poses significant geopolitical challenges. The ability of sanctioned nations to facilitate crude sales broadly undermines international law and security, particularly as the oil revenues sustain conflicts, notably the ongoing Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East.

As countries grapple with how to tackle these challenges, recent actions from the U.S., including military interventions and sanctions on oil companies, have prompted a reconsideration of strategies to address this maritime lawlessness.

Pressure is mounting for western countries to step up their responses, with discussions highlighting new marine policy approaches and the imperative for international cooperation against shadow fleet operations.