- The growing shadow fleet of unregulated oil tankers poses increasing safety and environmental risks, according to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
- Shadow fleet tankers, used to evade sanctions by countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, often operate without meeting IMO requirements.
- Aging tankers and unsafe ship-to-ship oil transfers heighten the risk to seafarers and the environment.
The rise of the shadow fleet in maritime oil transportation is sparking global concerns about safety and environmental hazards. These unregulated tankers, often deployed to bypass sanctions, operate with minimal oversight, increasing the risk of accidents and ecological damage. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has flagged aging ships and unsafe practices as critical issues that demand urgent attention, reports Reuters.
Shadow Fleet and Its Growing Risks
The shadow fleet consists of hundreds of tankers used by sanctioned countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to transport oil in defiance of international restrictions.
These vessels often skirt IMO regulations, operating with aging infrastructure that endangers both seafarers and the maritime environment.
Safety Concerns and Environmental Threats
Recent incidents involving shadow fleet tankers, including collisions and breakdowns, have highlighted the dangers associated with this growing fleet.
Ship-to-ship oil transfers, frequently conducted by these vessels with little regard for safety, present a significant environmental risk.
IMO’s Efforts to Address the Issue
In 2023, the IMO adopted a resolution aimed at increasing scrutiny of ship-to-ship oil transfers in open seas.
A follow-up meeting in March 2025 will seek to reinforce these measures. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need for greater accountability, particularly concerning smaller flag registries that often ignored violations.
Flag Registries Under Scrutiny
Commercial ships must be registered with a flag country, which ensures compliance with international safety and environmental standards.
However, many smaller registries enabling shadow fleet operations have been criticized for lax enforcement of these standards and sanctions regulations.
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Source: Reuters
