Europe says shadow fleet tankers under multiple flags can be seized as stateless vessels

More than a dozen European countries have declared this week that shadow fleet tankers in the Baltic and North seas must sail only under the flag of a single country and maintain valid safety and insurance documentation.

The 14 European states, including the United Kingdom, France and Germany, said Monday in a joint statement that any tanker failing to meet the requirements could be considered a stateless vessel and subject to seizure by any nation’s navy or coast guard.

Shadow fleet tankers are typically aging, often poorly maintained ships that operate outside of international regulations to transport sanctioned oil, primarily for Russia, Iran and Venezuela. They are often owned by shell companies, sail under false flags and turn off international tracking devices to evade detection.

The countries said they are facing safety difficulties due to an increase in interference in maritime communications and navigation systems in European waters, primarily in the Baltic Sea.

“These disturbances, originating from the Russian Federation, degrade the safety of international shipping. All vessels are at risk,” the nations said in their statement.

The statement said the proper functioning of global navigation satellite systems is not a technical luxury but a “critical safety requirement.” In addition to supporting a ship’s ability to navigate, they provide vital information for maritime distress and safety systems.

“Disruption of these signals is a risk to the safety and reliability of maritime transport,” according to the statement released by the British government. “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.”