Russian “shadow-fleet” 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.
The EU and U.K. have recently expanded their sanctions lists to focus on shadow-fleet activity and third parties used to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil exports. Russian oil sales are critical for funding the war in Ukraine, but demand for Russian oil rose sharply after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, resulting in the closure of the Straits of Hormuz.
