Recent investigations have unveiled a concerning trend in the transportation of Russian oil through the Gulf of Finland, with reports indicating that many of the vessels involved are unseaworthy. According to Finnish public service media Yle, approximately 600 tankers have transported Russian oil across this strategic maritime route from January to May 2024. Alarmingly, nearly half of these vessels, totaling 283, are classified as part of what is being termed a “shadow fleet.”

The shadow fleet comprises tankers that often evade standard maritime regulations and inspections, raising significant safety and environmental concerns. Reports suggest that many of these tankers have made multiple trips to Russian oil ports during the investigation period, highlighting a persistent pattern of activity despite their questionable seaworthiness.

Further scrutiny revealed that during the spring months, a blacklisted oil tanker passed through the Gulf of Finland every two weeks. Blacklisting typically indicates that a vessel is in poor condition or has critical defects that render it unfit for operation. The Paris MoU, an independent maritime inspection organization, is responsible for placing vessels on this blacklist, underscoring the severity of the situation.

In addition to the risks associated with blacklisted vessels, many oil tankers operating in the Gulf of Finland are significantly aged. Reports indicate that nearly 70% of these tankers are over 15 years old, raising concerns about their structural integrity and overall safety. The combination of substandard insurance and aging fleets poses a serious risk to maritime safety and environmental protection in the region.

Efforts to curb the movement of these tankers are complicated by the operational practices of oil transport in the region. Specifically, the Russian oil harbours of Ust-Luga and Primorsk Port, located at the far end of the Gulf of Finland, serve as key loading points for these tankers. Interventions by flag states or port states are limited to when a ship enters a harbour, making it challenging to halt the activities of vessels that frequently transport Russian oil.

The investigation further highlights that Russian companies have increased their insurance for oil shipments to India to 60%, allowing them to sell oil at prices exceeding the US$60 price cap imposed by the G7 nations. This financial maneuvering indicates a strategic approach to circumvent international sanctions while continuing to facilitate oil exports.

The implications of these findings extend beyond maritime safety; they also reflect the geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As Russian oil continues to flow through the Gulf of Finland, the environmental risks and regulatory challenges associated with the shadow fleet raise significant concerns among neighboring countries and international observers.

In light of these developments, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing scrutiny from various stakeholders aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the shadow fleet and the broader implications for maritime safety and environmental protection in the Gulf of Finland.

As the narrative surrounding Russian oil transport continues to evolve, it will be crucial for maritime authorities and international organizations to remain vigilant in monitoring these activities and implementing measures to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

In related news, the geopolitical landscape remains tense, with reports of Russia planning to export coal from occupied territories in Donbas, amid ongoing international scrutiny of its activities in the region. The situation is further complicated by the insistence of the UK government to not recognize Russian referendums in occupied Ukrainian territories, signaling a broader commitment to uphold international law and territorial integrity.

As global attention focuses on these developments, the intersection of maritime safety, environmental protection, and geopolitical dynamics will continue to shape the discourse surrounding Russian oil transport and its implications for regional stability.