United Kingdom Sanctions 30 Vessels in Russian Shadow Fleet

On November 25, the UK government announced sanctions on 30 vessels within the Russian shadow fleet, accusing them of conducting illegal oil transportation operations.

Additionally, two Russian insurance companies were targeted for facilitating these activities. The sanctions aim to cut off a significant source of funding for Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine by disrupting its oil revenue streams.

According to the UK government’s press release, these 30 vessels have transported over $4.3 billion worth of oil and derivatives in the past year alone. Oil revenues, the statement noted, are a key financial resource for Russia’s war efforts. With this latest measure, the UK has sanctioned a total of 73 shadow fleet vessels—more than any other country.

The UK also urged other nations to take similar action against the shadow fleet, which it claims poses risks to maritime safety. So far, 46 countries have joined the initiative. The UK Foreign Secretary reiterated this agenda during the G7 summit, emphasizing the need for coordinated international pressure on Russia and continued support for Ukraine.

The press release described the shadow fleet as operating with deceptive practices and poor maintenance, creating safety hazards for global shipping. By targeting these vessels and their insurers, the UK aims to improve the safety of international shipping lanes while hindering Russia's war capabilities.

Two Russian insurance firms, Alfastrakhovanie PLC and VSK, were also sanctioned. This action effectively cuts them off from international markets by banning any collaboration with these companies.

As part of the sanctions, the affected oil tankers are prohibited from entering UK ports, and authorities reserve the right to detain or redirect their movements if necessary. These vessels will also lose any registration on the UK Ship Register, and their existing registrations will be terminated. Furthermore, they will no longer be eligible for exemptions under the Oil Price Cap, even if transactions qualify for such exceptions.

The sanctioned vessels include: BELGOROD, DELVINA, BRATSK, VALOUR, HS EVERETT, KRASNOYARSK, FENG SHOU, KELLY GRACE, DAKSHA, KEMEROVO, ANATOLY KOLODKIN, KOLOMNA, GEORGY MASLOV, VIKTOR BAKAEV, ANTARKTIKA, AGNES, ATTICA, CEPHEUS, THEA, EMILY S, NANDA DEVI, SULEYMAN I, ATALANTA, ARIADNE, GURU, KSENA, CHILLI, PYTHON, NEOMI, and MIKATI.

The UK’s actions are part of a broader effort to curb unsafe and illegal shipping operations while isolating Russia from the global maritime and financial systems.