Russia challenges ship insurance rules as pressure on shadow fleet intensifies
- European states are intensifying action against Russia’s shadow fleet, with recent seizures in France and an expanded EU naval mandate targeting opaque or fraudulently flagged tankers
- The dispute over insurance reporting is unfolding alongside heightened geopolitical tensions, including Nato drills in the Baltic and Moscow’s accusations of ‘piracy’ by EU states
- France’s detention of the tanker Tagor and the EU’s boarding of Oneiroi mark a broader European campaign, with more vessel seizures and sanctions expected
Russia is challenging new IMO reporting rules that would require ships to provide proof of insurance, calling the measures politically motivated and unlawful
