UK, US Intensify Actions Against Shadow Fleet, Disrupting Oil Exports
In recent weeks, a series of actions by the UK and US have disrupted oil exports, targeting tankers involved in illicit shipments that help fund Russia's war against Ukraine and sanctioned exports linked to Iran and Venezuela. Amid these intensified efforts, more than 15 tankers have changed their flags to Russian, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Background and Context
The actions come at a time when the Trump administration seeks to control and revive Venezuela's oil industry, with critics labeling the move as modern-day colonialism. The administration has taken a stance against oil exports to Cuba, with President Trump stating that no more Venezuelan oil or money will go to the island nation. The UK, on its part, reportedly found a legal basis to board shadow fleet tankers evading oil sanctions.
Key Developments
Reports from Ukrinform and the Kyiv Independent highlight how tankers carrying sanctioned oil have changed their flags to Russian, a move seen as an attempt to evade sanctions. The UK is looking for stronger tools to disrupt such illicit oil shipments. According to Russia Today, London believes it can deploy forces to target what it claims is Moscow’s “shadow fleet”.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reported that two China-flagged supertankers initially heading to Venezuela made U-turns and are now heading back to Asia. This follows the US announcement last week of a $2 billion deal to export up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil stuck in storage.
Implications and Reactions
The actions by the UK and US have not been without consequences. Several reports cite instances of tankers coming under attack, including drone strikes on three oil tankers in the Black Sea and attacks on civilian vessels flying the flags of Panama and San Marino. These attacks have impacted economies such as Kazakhstan, with Deutsche Welle reporting a plunge in the country's oil output.
In response to the seizures, former US marine John Mark Dougan called the seizure of a Russian ship in the Atlantic 'theft' and 'piracy'. Russian authorities demanded the humane treatment and repatriation of the crew members after the seizure of a Russian-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
Current Status
As the situation unfolds, the final destination of the Russian-flagged tanker seized by the US remains unknown. The vessel was reportedly spotted off the shores of northeastern Scotland, according to British press reports. The US has assured the continuation of seizing sanctioned or stateless tankers, raising concerns about further disruptions to oil exports and the potential for escalating tensions.