Australia has officially sanctioned 60 oil tankers linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” marking a significant escalation in its efforts to disrupt Moscow’s circumvention of Western sanctions. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced that the move targets vessels involved in illicit activities such as evading insurance, breaching safety and environmental regulations, and enabling Russia to continue exporting banned crude. This action aligns with Australia, New Zealand, and other G7 members endorsing the “Call to Action” aimed at curbing shadow fleet operations in international waters
These vessels are often older, poorly maintained tankers that Russian state-linked entities purchase to bypass sanctions via ship-to-ship transfers and deceptive AIS tracking tactics . By adding 60 more vessels to its sanctions list, Australia enhances international pressure, aids maritime surveillance, and deters flag states and insurers from supporting these non-compliant operations.
Australia’s action follows similar measures by the UK and EU, which have already blacklisted hundreds of shadow fleet vessels. The move demonstrates growing global coordination—particularly among G7, Nordic, and Pacific nations—to ensure maritime safety, environmental protection, and enforcement of sanctions regimes .
