What in the World
Shadow ships: What are they and why do countries use them?
Apr 1, 2025
In this discussion, BBC journalist Emilia Jansson sheds light on the covert operations of shadow ships transporting Russian oil while dodging international sanctions. She reveals the environmental and security risks these vessels pose, especially in the Baltic Sea, and discusses recent sabotage allegations. The conversation also touches on challenges in tracking these ships and highlights the motivations behind their unauthorized activities. Tim Whewell adds firsthand insights from his travels in the Laconian Sea, where these shadowy operations frequently occur.
15:07
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Quick takeaways
- Shadow ships are a significant maritime security threat as they transport Russian oil while evading international sanctions and regulations.
- Environmental risks from shadow ships are heightened due to potential oil spills and sabotage incidents affecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic region.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Shadow Fleet
A network of shadow ships is transporting Russian oil globally in violation of international sanctions. These vessels, often over 20 years old and difficult to track, operate under flags from countries with lax regulations. Experts estimate that there are between 500 to 1,300 shadow ships, with approximately half linked to Russia, representing about 10% of the global tanker fleet. The rise of these ships poses significant risks not only to maritime safety but also to environmental integrity, as they circumvent regulations designed to ensure ship safety and crew training.
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