Russia’s use of “shadow fleet” tankers in the Baltic Sea is increasingly dangerous for the region, according to a report from the Military Intelligence Centre (Luurekeskus) of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), ERR reports. Restricting the shadow fleet would reduce Russia’s revenues and military capabilities, and greatly improve security in the Baltic Sea region, the EDF report stated. The report faulted Baltic Sea states for their failure to agree on and enforce proportionate countermeasures against Russia’s shadow fleet. The report noted that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea allowed coastal states to stop ships on the high seas if they lacked a valid national flag, which could make it more costly for Russia to use such ships. Also, the report suggested that the EU apply secondary sanctions on countries that register sanctioned vessels. Russia exports at least 60% of its crude oil and oil products through the Baltic Sea, and the shadow fleet accounts for 20% of all Russian maritime transport.
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