The report found that Russia has been using its aging fleet of oil tankers, some of which are over 20 years old, to transport oil to countries that are not subject to Western sanctions. These tankers are often registered in countries with lax maritime regulations, making it difficult for Western authorities to track their movements. "It's like a game of cat and mouse," said a senior official at the U.S. Department of Energy, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We're trying to stay one step ahead of the Russians, but they're always finding new ways to evade our sanctions."
The use of aging tankers is just one of the tactics that Russia has employed to evade Western sanctions. The country has also been using a practice called "flag hopping," where it registers its tankers in different countries in order to avoid detection. This allows the tankers to continue operating even if one country has imposed sanctions on Russia.
The sanctions on Russian oil exports were first imposed in 2022, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions were designed to cripple Russia's economy and limit its ability to fund its military efforts. However, the use of the shadow fleet has allowed Russia to continue exporting oil, albeit in a more clandestine manner.
Experts say that the use of the shadow fleet is a clever tactic that has allowed Russia to evade Western sanctions. "Russia has been very clever in finding ways to circumvent the sanctions," said a maritime expert at a leading think tank. "They're using every trick in the book to keep their oil flowing."
Despite the efforts of Western authorities to track the movements of the shadow fleet, it remains a significant challenge. The tankers are often registered in countries with lax maritime regulations, making it difficult to track their movements. Additionally, the use of flag hopping and other tactics makes it difficult to determine the true ownership of the tankers.
The current status of the shadow fleet is unclear, but experts say that it remains a significant challenge for Western authorities. "The shadow fleet is still out there, and it's still a major problem," said the senior official at the U.S. Department of Energy. "We're working hard to stay one step ahead of the Russians, but it's a cat-and-mouse game that's difficult to win."
In the coming months, Western authorities are expected to continue their efforts to track and disrupt the shadow fleet. However, the use of aging tankers and other tactics makes it difficult to predict the outcome of these efforts. One thing is certain, however: the shadow fleet remains a significant challenge for Western authorities, and it will likely continue to be a major issue in the months and years to come.
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