Overview
- A European External Action Service paper for foreign ministers in Luxembourg estimates the covert fleet at roughly 600 to 1,400 tankers used to skirt oil sanctions and the price cap.
- The proposed 19th sanctions package would expand port bans and listings from about 444 to roughly 562 ships, pending member‑state approval.
- Three EU naval missions, including Operation Aspides with German participation, have been gathering intelligence on suspect vessels since June 2025.
- Brussels seeks bilateral deals with flag states to permit EU naval inspections, building on national actions taken against ships such as Eventin, Boracay, Kiwala and Eagle S.
- EU experts cite elevated spill risks from old, underinsured ships and warn some vessels could serve as launch platforms for disruptive or espionage drones, referencing incidents investigated in Denmark.