NV summarized the key facts about Russia’s shadow fleet and its vulnerabilities.
Russia’s shadow fleet in numbers
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17% of all tankers worldwide — roughly every sixth vessel — is part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
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Over $10 billion spent by Russia to build this fleet since 2022.
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~1,400 vessels — the approximate size of Russia’s shadow fleet in 2025.
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~300 captains operating Russia’s shadow vessels.
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Insurance costs in Black Sea ports have risen by 250% due to attacks on Russian ships.
Russian shadow fleet tankers destroyed or seriously damaged in recent months
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Feb. 18, 2025 — Seacharm (damaged), Mediterranean Sea, Port of Ceyhan, Turkey
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Feb. 15, 2025 — Seajewel (damaged), Mediterranean Sea, Port of Vado, northern Italy
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Feb. 9, 2025 — Koala, Port of Ust-Luga, Russia
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February 2025 — Grace Ferrum (damaged), Mediterranean Sea, coast of Libya
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June 27, 2025 — Vilamoura, Mediterranean Sea, Port of Ez-Zuwetina, Libyan waters
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July 6, 2025 — Eco Wizard, Port of Ust-Luga, Russia
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Nov. 27, 2025 — Mersin, off the coast of Dakar, Senegal
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Nov. 28, 2025 — Kairos, Virat (damaged), Black Sea, Bosphorus Strait, Turkish coast
Sources: The New York Times, War&Sanctions, Bloomberg, NV