Marketplace All-in-One A scourge of "lawless, stateless" vessels
Nov 28, 2025
In this discussion, Jessica Parker, a BBC reporter specializing in maritime security, highlights the troubling rise of Russia's 'shadow fleet'—unidentified vessels evading sanctions with fake flags. She reveals how these tankers are often uninsured, complicating enforcement efforts. Parker shares insights from her time aboard an Estonian Navy ship, detailing the growing concerns among European naval officials. The podcast also touches on the limits of international law at sea, raising important questions about maritime safety and accountability.
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Stateless Ships Evade Accountability
- Many sanctioned tankers sail with no valid flag, fake flags, or switch flags to avoid detection.
- These vessels often turn off tracking and operate uninsured, creating legal and safety gaps.
Shadow Fleet Is Expanding
- A growing
Estonia's Navy Encounters Shadow Tankers
- Commodore Ivo Vark notes Estonia sees five to ten shadow fleet vessels in its waters at any time.
- He observed an alarming rise in ships without valid flags since earlier in the year.