The European Union has imposed sanctions on Intershipping Services LLC, a UAE-based company operating the Comoros and Gabon flag registries. This action targets a key facilitator of the “shadow fleet,” or “dark fleet” a clandestine network of aging, often uninsured vessels used to transport sanctioned oil, primarily from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. The move underscores growing international efforts to reduce the risks posed by these unregulated ships to maritime safety and the environment.
Key Takeaways
- The EU has sanctioned Intershipping Services LLC, the operator of the Comoros and Gabon flag registries, due to their role in facilitating the “shadow fleet.”
- These registries have seen big growth, particularly Gabon, which became the fastest-growing shipping register in 2024 by absorbing Russia-linked tonnage.
- The shadow fleet consists of older, poorly maintained, and often uninsured vessels that engage in deceptive practices like AIS manipulation and opaque ownership structures.
- Incidents involving shadow vessels, such as the explosion of the Gabonese-flagged Pablo and collisions like the Andromeda Star and Ceres I, highlight severe risks to crews, the marine environment, and legitimate shipping operations.
- International bodies and coastal states face significant challenges in regulating and holding these vessels accountable, as their operations often circumvent established maritime laws and insurance standards.
The Shadow Fleet’s Rise and Risks
The “shadow fleet,” also known as the “dark fleet,” has expanded dramatically since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This network of vessels, many over 15 years old, operates with not always well known ownership, often lacks standard or Western insurance, and frequently manipulates its Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to obscure movements. These ships pose significant threats:
- Environmental Catastrophes: Poor maintenance and lack of proper insurance increase the risk of oil spills and other environmental disasters. The Gabonese-flagged tanker Pablo, which exploded off Malaysia in 2023, and the Andromeda Star, involved in a collision in Danish waters, exemplify these dangers.
- Safety Hazards: Crews on shadow vessels face heightened risks due to substandard conditions and inadequate training. The Pablo explosion resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries, underscoring the human cost.
- Disruption to Global Maritime Order: The fleet undermines international maritime regulations, including safety standards and liability conventions. This creates a fragmented system where legitimate operators face unfair competition and increased risks.
Flag States Under Scrutiny
Flag states, which register vessels and are responsible for their compliance with international law, play a crucial role in the shadow fleet’s existence. Registries like Gabon and Comoros have been criticized for their lax oversight. Intershipping Services LLC, operating from Dubai, manages both the Comoros and Gabon registries. Gabon, in particular, has seen its registry increase with Russian tonnage, including many vessels from the state-owned Sovcomflot fleet, after other registries became liabilities due to sanctions.
- Comoros Registry: This registry is on the Paris MoU’s black list for frequent vessel detentions and is considered “high risk” by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is also frequently associated with crew abandonment cases and Iranian oil trafficking.
- Gabon Registry: Became the fastest-growing shipping register in 2024 due to the influx of Russian vessels. It was the flag state for the Pablo, which lacked valid insurance and had an unknown beneficial owner.
International Response and Challenges
Western governments, including the U.S., UK, and EU, have increasingly sanctioned individual shadow vessels and their operators. However, this has been described as a “whack-a-mole” game, as new entities quickly emerge to replace those sanctioned. The EU’s sanctioning of Intershipping Services LLC aims to target the commercial arrangements enabling these operations.
Challenges in combating the shadow fleet include:
- Legal Loopholes: The right of innocent passage under UNCLOS limits coastal states’ ability to ban vessels based solely on their affiliation.
- Elusive Ownership: Identifying the ultimate beneficial owners of shadow vessels is difficult due to complex corporate structures, often involving shell companies.
- Financial Burden: Impounding deficient vessels can impose significant administrative and financial burdens on coastal states, as owners are often unreachable or unwilling to pay for repairs or scrapping.
Despite these challenges, international efforts continue to focus on increasing surveillance, conducting targeted inspections, and pressuring flag states to uphold their responsibilities to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection.
Sources
- The threats posed by the global shadow fleet—and how to stop it, Atlantic Council.
- The Need for Flag State Liability in Maritime Safety, Baird Maritime.
- Video: Estonia’s Effort to Stop Shadow Tanker Causes International Incident, The Maritime Executive.
- EU Sanctions Operator of the Comoros and Gabon Flag Registries, The Maritime Executive.
