The German government has announced increased pressure to improve the effectiveness of the fight against Russia's so-called shadow fleet, which transports oil in defiance of Western sanctions.
This is stated in a message on the official website of the department.
Inspections of Russia's shadow fleet – how it happens
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that the goal of such inspections is clear: in this way, pressure on the Russian Federation increases, and the Baltic Sea becomes safer.
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– German authorities ask passing tankers about their insurance coverage against oil pollution. This concerns ships heading east off the coast of Fehmarn. The insurance coverage of these ships is often unknown, as they avoid reputable insurance companies and European ports, explained Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schneider.
Germany is conducting the inspections together with Sweden. It is noted that the shadow fleet of Russia includes oil tankers, some of which are old and which use dangerous shipping methods and are used to evade sanctions.
“Any violations identified in the feedback could lead to pan-European monitoring, action by the flag state and, subject to additional criteria being met, the inclusion of vessels on a sanctions list,” the statement said.
Earlier it became known that the EU is preparing the 18th package of sanctions against Russia for the attack on Ukraine.
