Impact of the Shadow Fleet on Maritime Regulations

The discussion highlights the emergence of the shadow fleet as a significant concern regarding maritime regulations and environmental compliance. This fleet consists of aging tankers that evade insurance and navigate using alternative means, mainly as a workaround for sanctions against Russian oil exports. By allowing these vessels to operate without adequate insurance, there is a risk of increasing environmental disasters without a framework for liability, as countries like India and China have not historically paid claims. The effectiveness of new checks by Nordic countries on ships coming from St. Petersburg will largely depend on enforcement decisions, which could redefine international maritime laws and practices if ships are confiscated for lacking compliance.