EU 15th Sanctions Package Targets 52 More Shadow Fleet Vessels

Shadow fleet measures

The listed vessels, which are not EU-flagged, are subject to a port access ban and a ban on the provision of services. The Commission said they have been found to engage in high-risk shipping practices when transporting Russian oil or petroleum products, in arms deliveries, grain theft or support for the Russian energy sector. It said the listings raise Russia's cost of using such vessels and also address the maritime safety and environmental risks posed by often old and underinsured ships. The EU will continue to monitor shifts in Russian oil trade and practices designed to circumvent the oil price cap.

Listings and trade measures

The package adds 84 listings, 54 individuals and 30 entities, subject to asset freezes and, for individuals, travel bans. They mainly concern Russian military manufacturers and senior managers in the Russian energy sector, including shipping companies. For the first time, the EU has imposed full listings on Chinese persons and entities, seven in total. A further 32 companies are added to the list of those supporting Russia's military and industrial complex, making them subject to stricter export restrictions on dual-use and advanced technology items.

Protections for EU operators

The package prohibits the recognition or enforcement in the EU of certain Russian court rulings that assert exclusive jurisdiction over disputes between Russian and EU companies regardless of prior agreement. It extends existing derogations allowing EU operators to divest from Russia. For EU central securities depositories, it introduces a loss recovery derogation for frozen cash balances and a clause clarifying that they are not liable to pay compensation to the Central Bank of Russia beyond contractual interest.

What it means for shipping

The package builds on earlier vessel listings, including those in the 14th package adopted in June 2024. Ship operators, charterers, insurers, port service providers and traders should screen counterparties and vessels against the updated lists and review their exposure to high-risk ship-to-ship transfers.

Sources

• European Commission: EU adopts 15th sanctions package against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine
• European Commission: EU adopts 14th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine