Audio Briefs How to Exorcise Russia’s Ghost Fleet
Jan 10, 2025
Benjamin Jensen, a CSIS expert and author on maritime security, dives into the intriguing world of Russia's ghost fleet. He uncovers the covert tactics used to circumvent Western sanctions and sustain oil exports. Jensen stresses the potential dangers linked to these operations, calling for stronger countermeasures. He also discusses comprehensive strategies, combining military, legal, and diplomatic efforts to confront this maritime threat while supporting negotiations related to Ukraine.
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Russia's Ghost Fleet Scale
- Russia's ghost fleet of over 600 vessels transports over 70% of its oil, undermining sanctions.
- This fleet comprises 20% of the world's crude vessels and 7% of oil product tankers.
Ghost Fleet Tactics
- Russia uses several tactics like disabling AIS transponders and ship-to-ship transfers to evade detection.
- They register vessels under flags of convenience and use aging tankers.
Undersea Cable Disruptions
- In December 2024, the oil tanker Eagle S was suspected of severing the Estlink-2 power cable between Finland and Estonia.
- Similar incidents involving other undersea cables occurred in November 2024, raising concerns about hybrid warfare.