Germany has introduced new measures to counter Russia’s “shadow fleet” and increased control over tankers passing through its territorial waters. About this reported Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.
From now on, all tankers passing through German territorial waters must have valid oil pollution insurance. Often, insurance coverage for such vessels is not established, as they avoid cooperation with reputable insurance companies and call at European ports.
“We must increase our vigilance in the Baltic Sea against the ‘shadow fleet’. By asking about the insurance status, we add another element to our picture of the situation. The more complete the picture, the sooner we can take action together with our partner countries in the Baltic Sea region, including including on the list of vessels that are subject to sanctions.” – said the Minister of Transport of Germany, Patrick Schneider.
This initiative is part of a wider European effort to combat the Russian “shadow fleet”, as well as to improve maritime safety and environmental protection. The so-called “shadow fleet” consists of tankers, in particular outdated ones, which use dangerous methods of transportation and serve to circumvent sanctions.
If inconsistencies in insurance documents are found, vessels may be subject to additional controls, including increased surveillance in European waters or inclusion on sanctions lists. The measures concern tankers moving east of the island of Fehmarn in the Baltic Sea.
