Germany and the rest of the EU plan to implement further
steps to counter Moscow’s "shadow fleet" of tankers circumventing Western restrictions
on Russian oil exports, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on July 18.
The chancellor explained that Russia funds its war against Ukraine by exporting oil via a fleet of old, uninsured vessels acquired through intermediaries and registered to shell companies abroad.
“These shady dealers pose a threat to shipping safety and, of course, to our seas and the environment,” German outlet Ntv.de quoted Scholz.
He noted that the EU has already imposed sanctions on some of these ships but suggested that the restrictions will need to be tightened and expanded.
“Now we want to unite efforts in a global coalition to rein in this shadow fleet,” chancellor concluded.
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