The Intelligence from The Economist Bust a vessel: NATO v dark fleets
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Oct 28, 2025 
Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent, dives into the world of shadow fleets harassing NATO in the Baltic, revealing the complexities of maritime security. John Wineland, China’s business editor, highlights how 200 million gig workers are reshaping China's labor market, embracing both the perks and the pitfalls of flexible work. Meanwhile, John Fasman explores the evolving definition of antisemitism, examining its historical roots and contemporary implications. Together, they illuminate crucial global issues shaping our world today.
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On-Deck Inspection Of A Mystery Vessel
- Alice Su boarded the Latvian naval ship Virsaitis to inspect a suspicious Russian fishing boat near an undersea gas pipeline.
- Officers asked everyone to turn off their phones to protect against possible hacking while they investigated the vessel.
Shadow Fleets Have Exploded Since 2022
- Shadow fleets tamper with identification signals and multiply by using many flags to hide owners and movements.
- Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, shadow tankers grew from ~200 to ~1,000 and now make up nearly 20% of global oil tankers.
Shadow Ships Operate Like Freelance Businesses
- Many shadow vessels operate as freelance services with opportunistic middlemen, not state actors.
- Operators, insurers and flag managers from around the world profit without clear ideological motives.
