Fourteen European countries issued a joint statement warning Russia that the tankers of its “shadow fleet” will no longer be able to operate freely in the Baltic Sea.
The document was signed by Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The statement says that from now on, tankers that change flags, turn off transponders, or lack the necessary documentation will be treated as stateless vessels.
"Recognising the essential role of maritime transport in global trade and the economy, and emphasising the importance of safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable shipping, we stress that the full and consistent implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations is fundamental to ensuring maritime safety, the smooth functioning of shipping, and the protection of seafarers and the marine environment, especially in the new emerging situations affecting safety at sea, such as the increasing use of shadow fleet vessels to circumvent international sanctions," the document reads.
Such ships can be seized without legal risk, significantly limiting the ability of Russian carriers to bypass sanctions.
"Maintaining trust in maritime navigation requires more than technology – it demands responsibility, transparency, and decisive action. We must ensure that our seas remain safe, including when systems fail or face disturbances," the document reads.
The uninterrupted operation of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) is critically important for maritime transport, as these systems provide navigation accuracy and time synchronization essential for shipping safety.
The statement also highlighted the role of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which ensures the coordination of vessel movements and responses to emergencies. Manipulation of AIS data, including falsification, increases the risk of accidents and complicates rescue operations.
The document further emphasizes the need for strict compliance with international maritime conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, and UNCLOS. Vessels that violate these rules will be subject to detention.
