UK and EU countries to intensify inspections of Russian oil fleet

The UK plans to this week urge a group of European countries to inspect the so-called Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers which Russia uses for the evasion of international sanctions, Bloomberg reported with reference to its own sources.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Bloomberg

Details: According to the draft statement studied by Bloomberg, in connection with this several governments are planning to approve a plan on the sidelines of the meeting of the European political community on 18 July. The meeting will be held in the UK.

These countries aim to exchange information about the Russian shadow fleet, coordinate their responses to the risks posed by its ships and mediators, and "to work with the private sector and other maritime stakeholders to address the threat".

For this, officials and experts from different countries will create a reaction group and hold meetings in order to "take forward concrete measures".

"Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ poses a threat to our nations and others who depend on the world’s seas and oceans. Many ships in this ‘shadow fleet’ are uninsured and poorly maintained. Many engage in activities which violate basic safety and environmental standards and regulations," says the draft statement, which can still be changed before it’s signed later this week.

One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that even more vessels of the Russian shadow fleet may be sanctioned.

Background: 

• On 24 June the European Council announced new anti-Russian sanctions against the tankers which are a part of the Russian oil shadow fleet.
• Earlier the EU expressed its concern regarding ecological risks for the Mediterranean Sea due to the tankers’ evasion of sanctions.

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