European Union expands sanctions against Russian shadow fleet with 41 additional vessels

The European Union imposed sanctions on 41 vessels forming part of Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers that contribute to Russia's energy revenues, the EU Council announced on December 18.

The vessels have been added to the list of those subject to a port access ban and prohibition on provision of services related to maritime transport.

The measure targets non-EU tankers that form part of Russia's shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism or supporting Russia's energy sector, or vessels responsible for transporting military equipment for Russia or involved in transporting stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural property from Ukraine.

The decision brings the total number of designated vessels to almost 600.

The move is closely linked to recent EU Council decisions to list nine shadow fleet enablers and adopt a declaration by the EU and its member states on making full use of international law of the sea framework relating to threats from the shadow fleet and protection of critical undersea infrastructure.

The EU remains ready to increase pressure on Russia and its shadow fleet value chain, including by adopting further sanctions, the Council said.

In response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has expanded sanctions against Russia with the aim of significantly weakening Russia's economic base and depriving it of critical technologies and markets.

The European Council reiterated its condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in its conclusions on December 19, reaffirming the Union's unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine.

"These 41 vessels are added to the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport," the EU Council said in a statement.