EU targets Russian 'ghost ships' in new sanctions wave
The European Union is tightening restrictions on Russia's oil sales. On Tuesday, it introduced regulations targeting ships from the so-called shadow fleet.
"The EU has adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes measures to further complicate the Kremlin's sale of oil (restrictions against 150 shadow fleet ships) and enhance control over the export of technologies and goods used for military purposes," reported journalist Dorota Bawołek.
This decision means that these vessels will not be allowed to dock at European ports.
Russia uses old tankers to transport oil, selling it at prices higher than those set by the West. The condition of these ships poses an environmental risk and could lead to disasters like oil spills. There are also suspicions that Russia uses these "ghost ships" to damage underwater cables.
This is the second package of sanctions negotiated during Poland's presidency of the EU Council.
About 80% of Russian crude oil and petroleum products are transported through waters of the European Union and G7 countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan). A full 60% of maritime oil exports pass through the Baltic Sea.
Despite the sanctions already imposed by the western coalition, Russia continues to profit from oil by effectively bypassing these restrictions.
A year ago, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussed the dangers posed by ships "working" for Russia in the Baltic Sea.
"The problem—and I say this as someone who was born by the Baltic Sea and holds it dearly—environmental protection is not an excuse to stop these ships from entering the Baltic. The Baltic is threatened by Russia on many levels concerning environmental protection issues," stated the head of the Polish government.
The United Kingdom and European Union countries have long expressed their determination to tackle these issues. However, successes have been limited.
Some countries have amended their laws to more effectively combat ships carrying Russian oil. Among these is Estonia, whose parliament passed a law allowing the country's navy to use force against ships in the Baltic Sea if they are deemed a threat to national security.
