17th sanctions package adopted by the EU – here’s how the Russian Shadow Fleet works

France’s foreign minister admits that the previous santions packages have proven insufficient, hoping the new sanctions will have a devastating impact on the Russian economy.

17th sanctions package ready

Russia did not agree to the proposed 30-day ceasefire before the deadline Monday, and so the European Union has adopted a 17th package of sanctions targeting Russia.

Aimed at the “Shadow Fleet”

The new sanctions target some 200 “Shadow Fleet” tankers. The Shadow Fleet is a term used to describe hundreds of vessels operated by Russia to evade policing following the Russian crude oil price cap sanctions adopted in 2022 by EU, UK and the U.S.

Admits lack of impact so far

After adopting the new sanctions, France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, said that the 16 previous sanctions packages has proven insufficient in detering Putin from continuing the war in Ukraine, so now it’s time to ramp it up, according to Reuters.

Will need to go further

Barrot tol news channel BFM TV that the West will need to go further yet. “we must prepare to expand devastating sanctions that could suffocate once and for all Russia’s economy,” Barrot said.

30 companies and 75 individuals and entities

Other than the some 200 tankers of the Shadow Fleet, the package also adds restrictions on 30 companies suspected to be involved in the trade of duals-use goods. Additionally, 75 individuals and entities will be listed due to their links to the Russian military industrial complex.

How the Shadow Fleet works

The Shadow Fleet usees various techniques to mask the identity of the vessels, their destination and their origin points. The techniques are often used in a complex and layered manner, making it difficult to police the vessels.

Ship-to-ship transfers

One of the well-known tactics used by the Shadow Fleet is the use of ship-to-ship- transfers. Transfering the goods transported to an intermediary ship while still at sea allows the Shadow Fleet to avoid detection and smuggle in the cargo.

Huge risks for everyone

There have been several incidents involving vessels from the Shadow Fleet over the years. Analysis has revealed that in 2022, there was at least eight groundings, collisions or near misses that involved tankes carrying sanctioned goods, increasing the risk of environmental catastrophies if oil leaks into the ocean.

Humanitarian impacts

Economic sanctions, especially when adopted in a broad and comprehensive way, have been criticized for potentially restricting populations access to recources. Furthermore, critics have pointed to the risk of on-shore health risks when the population is deprived of economic sustainability.