- The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) warns that Bahamian-flagged vessels linked to Russian ownership, trade, or financing risk removal from its ship registry if sanctioned.
- Shipowners, charterers, and managers are urged to seek legal advice and conduct due diligence to avoid violating complex international sanctions.
- Global attention is rising on “shadow fleets” and compliance failures, increasing legal and reputational risks for maritime stakeholders.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued a strong advisory urging shipowners and operators to be aware of the significant sanctions risks associated with Russian-linked trade. The authority cautioned that vessels tied to Russian ownership, operation, financing, or trade activities may face severe consequences, including deregistration from the Bahamian ship registry if sanctioned by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, or The Bahamas.
Legal Guidance and Due Diligence Encouraged
In response to the expanding global sanctions landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the BMA is advising shipowners and managers to obtain independent legal counsel. This is to assess potential sanctions exposure and ensure full compliance. Owners, charterers, and operators are also advised to perform thorough due diligence before engaging in any commercial activities involving Russian ports or entities.
Global Registries Respond to Sanctions Compliance
The BMA’s guidance aligns with similar enforcement actions by other major ship registries. Notably, Panama reported in March that it had removed over 100 vessels from its registry due to their association with sanctioned entities on US, UK, and EU watchlists. As one of the world’s largest registries, The Bahamas’ actions reflect broader industry efforts to enforce sanctions compliance.
Crew Certification and Operational Concerns
In light of the conflict, the BMA also acknowledged challenges for crew members, particularly Russian and Ukrainian seafarers. If their certification expires while serving onboard, the authority encourages contacting its seafarers’ department to resolve the issue. It further mandated that all Bahamian-flagged vessels operating in or near Russian and Ukrainian waters must maintain continuous tracking system operations for monitoring and compliance purposes.
Rising Concerns Over Shadow Fleets and Compliance Failures
A growing area of concern is the use of so-called “shadow fleets”—often older tankers used to transport sanctioned oil for countries like Russia and Iran. The BMA’s alert echoes broader warnings from maritime law experts who caution against unintentional involvement in sanction-violating activities. International law firm Hill Dickinson recently warned that brokers and intermediaries could face legal action if found connected to these covert operations, stressing that regulatory compliance is no longer optional but a critical safeguard.
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Source: WorldECR
