Russia Registers More Shadow Tankers Under Its Own Flag

Russia has sharply increased the share of its shadow tankers registered under its own flag. The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping has taken on older vessels previously flagged in smaller nations. At the end of 2024, 4.3 percent of Moscow’s shadow tankers flew the Russian flag. By the first quarter of 2026 that figure reached 19.5 percent, according to the Kyiv-based KSE Institute.

A draft presidential decree aims to simplify registration for foreign shipowners carrying Russian cargo. The change follows intensified Western sanctions and vessel seizures. Lloyd’s List described the move as a shift toward direct control of the shadow fleet. Safety4Sea reported that the proposed system would broaden the range of entities eligible to initiate registration.

France have boarded shadow vessels in recent months. Sweden boarded five such ships within a few weeks this spring. The United Kingdom boarded its first Russian shadow tanker in the English Channel last month. Coastal states say they are less likely to detain vessels flying the Russian flag than those registered in smaller nations.

Retired Rear Adm. Nils Christian Wang said the reflagging is intended to deter boarding. He noted that weapons, drones, or machine guns on board would raise the risk for coast guard officers. Wessel said Russian port state control has not fulfilled its obligations, making it unlikely the ship register will enforce compliance.

He added that an IMO condemnation would not stop the practice but could isolate Russia further. Governments could also refuse port state control to armed merchant tankers and bar their citizens from serving on such vessels.