- Authorities in Comoros have started cleaning up their international flag registry, targeting vessels falsely claiming the Comoros flag to evade sanctions.
- A significant portion of the falsely flagged fleet is involved in sanctioned oil and gas trades from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
- Lax oversight in privately operated registries has facilitated “dark fleet” operations, prompting diplomatic efforts to strengthen flag governance and safety standards.
The government of Comoros has initiated a major cleanup of its international flag registry, which has been exploited by vessels falsely claiming its flag to circumvent international sanctions. Recent data shows dozens of tankers, gas carriers, and auxiliary vessels identified as falsely flagged, most of which were engaged in sanctioned trades.
False Flag Networks and Sanctions Evasion
Flag governance has emerged as a key factor in controlling vessels that bypass sanctions. Privately operated registries with limited technical oversight have enabled the so-called “dark fleet” to continue transporting energy commodities from sanctioned regions. As other permissive flags expelled sanctioned vessels, these ships frequently switched to registries in countries with looser regulations, fueling record levels of flag hopping.Research indicates that a substantial share of sanctioned tonnage over 20,000 dwt was either falsely flagged or registered under unknown flags. This practice raises concerns about regulatory compliance, maritime safety, environmental protection, and crew welfare.
International Response and Registry Oversight
Western governments are pressing registries in permissive countries to remove sanctioned vessels from their fleets. Diplomatic efforts focus on urging flag administrations to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with international standards. Many registries operate through offices in multiple countries, often via regional agreements with private operators.In addition to vessels falsely flying the Comoros flag, several other registries have been identified as being exploited for sanctions evasion, including registries in countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Authorities continue to monitor and update records to prevent further misuse of maritime registry systems.
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Source: Windward
