Three of five US-struck tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet, investigation finds

An investigation into the US military's recent strikes against tankers in the Middle East has revealed that three of the five vessels targeted were connected to Russia's shadow fleet — a network of ships operating under opaque ownership to help Russia sell its oil despite international sanctions.

Shadow fleet and sanctions evasion

Russia's shadow fleet comprises hundreds of tankers typically flying flags of convenience from countries like Gabon, Panama, or Palau, with ownership routed through shell companies in multiple jurisdictions. These vessels have enabled Russia to continue exporting crude oil and petroleum products despite G7 price caps and EU sanctions. The three tankers struck by the US were linked to this network via opaque ownership structures traced by shipping analysts and investigative reporters.

Implications for US strikes

The revelation raises complex questions about the nature of US targeting decisions. Were these ships struck because of their connection to Russian interests, or were they primarily targeted as part of the broader Iran-related military campaign? US military officials have not confirmed or denied that the shadow fleet connections influenced targeting. The strikes caused significant disruption to oil shipping in the Gulf and contributed to a spike in energy prices globally.

Sanctions enforcement context

Western governments have struggled to enforce oil price caps since they were introduced in late 2022. The shadow fleet has been estimated at over 700 vessels. Several EU and UK governments have blacklisted specific shadow fleet tankers, but enforcement at sea remains limited.