Australia Sanctions 60 Russian “Shadow Fleet” Tankers

TOP IMAGE BY ANDRÁS RÁTONYI

Australia has announced its first sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

The shadow fleet is a collection of aging tankers with obscure ownership, playing a central role in Russia’s strategy to sustain oil exports despite Western sanctions.

Australia’s new sanctions target 60 of the “shadow vessels.”

Authority to Deny Vessel Entry

According to a statement from Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s office, Russia uses the shadow fleet to evade international sanctions and sustain its “illegal and immoral” war against Ukraine.

“Operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and operating with inadequate insurance, the shadow fleet enables the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods,” stated the minister’s office.

Since 2022, the Australian government has imposed over 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, this marks the first time the country has taken direct action against the shadow fleet.

Australian authorities will now be authorized to order targeted vessels to leave Australian waters including specific routes and deny them entry to any ports or locations within the country.

The Sanctioned Vessels List

The Sanctioned Vessels list includes all vessels designated under Subregulation 8(1)(a) of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011, according to the Department of Foreign Affairds and Trade.

Calling on Russia to End War

These new measures bring Australia in line with other major powers — including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union — in their efforts to restrict Russia’s oil revenue streams.

“We will continue to take coordinated and decisive action to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its aggression,” stated Minister Wong’s office.

The press release concluded with Australia calling on Russia to immediately end the war and withdraw from Ukrainian territory.