Benjamin Hilgenstock Highlights Risks of Russia’s Expanding Shadow Fleet
Russia remains one of the world’s largest oil exporters, and a recent media report shows how Moscow now relies on a growing “shadow fleet” to bypass Western sanctions. The article, published by BBC Turkish, explains that hundreds of aging tankers move Russian crude through the Baltic and Black Seas. As a result, Europe faces rising maritime and environmental risks.
“Russia has built a shadow fleet of oil tankers that allows it to evade sanctions. These old, poorly maintained ships are unlikely to have adequate insurance against oil spills. About three-quarters of Russia’s oil exports by sea leave ports in the Baltic and Black Seas. This means that these ships pass through European waters several times every day,” explains Benjamin Hilgenstock, a senior economist at the KSE Institute.
Tactics Behind Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The article also reviews the tactics used by these ships. Many disable tracking systems, switch flags, or operate under false identities. Moreover, maritime analysts estimate that more than 1,300 tankers now belong to this shadow network. This means that about 80% of Russia’s seaborne exports move without insurance from major International Group-affiliated clubs. In response, NATO countries have increased monitoring efforts in the Baltic Sea, especially after several recent drone and cable disruption incidents.
To read the full article, visit the original publication by BBC Turkish. Explore more policy briefs on the Russo-Ukrainian War in the policy brief section.
Further Reading: Sanctions, Energy, and Russia’s War Economy
Energy exports remain the backbone of Russia’s economy and a tool of geopolitical leverage. Sanctions targeting this sector aim to reduce state revenue and limit Moscow’s influence abroad.
- Explore the Sanctions Portal Evidence Base to access the latest research on energy sanctions against Russia.
- Review the Timeline of Western Sanctions and Russian Countermeasures to understand how both sides have adapted since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
For more expert insights and economic analysis, visit the SITE website.
