Australia Imposes Sanctions on Russia’s Shadow Fleet

The Australian Government has imposed sanctions against the so-called Russia’s shadow fleet for the first time, targeting 60 vessels, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong reported in a press release on June 18.

“Russia uses these vessels to circumvent international sanctions and sustain its illegal and immoral war against Ukraine,” the press release says.

Between 2023-2024, Russia formed a shadow fleet of tankers in an attempt to evade the restrictions imposed by Western sanctions, including EU’s $60 per barrel oil price cap imposed in December 2022. The fleet allows Russia to ship oil, liquified natural gas (LNG) and gas while bypassing sanctions. 

“Operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and operating with inadequate insurance, the shadow fleet enables the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods”, the release says.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) estimated that Moscow’s shadow fleet operates more than eight hundred vessels. 

Australia has already imposed over 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  

“We will continue to take coordinated and decisive action to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its aggression,” the release says.

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These sanctions help deprive Russia’s military economy of oil revenues, also reinforced by restrictions from Canada, the UK, and the EU – Australia’s key international partners. 

“Australia once again calls on Russia to immediately end this war and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. We remain steadfast in our support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” the press release continues. 

The UK also tightened its sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet on Tuesday, June 17, slapping bans on 20 more ships and blacklisting 10 other people or bodies involved in Moscow’s energy and shipping sectors.