Russian โ€œshadow-fleetโ€ ships are using simple tactics, such as variations in name spellings, to evade detention under developing sanctions regimes, according to new analysis. Variations between sanctions lists operated by the U.S., U.K, and EU add to complexity, with some ships sanctioned in multiple regions and others only in one.

Ruth Prickett graduated from Cambridge University with a BA hons in History and has specialized in business and finance journalism for the past 20 years. She was editor of Financial Management, the magazine...