Overview

• At least five Russia-linked tankers leaked oil in European waters in the past year, according to a SourceMaterial–POLITICO investigation using SkyTruth satellite imagery and Kpler shipping data.
• Two of the leaking vessels were already under U.K. sanctions when the incidents occurred, yet they continued to operate in European waters.
• The European Commission has proposed adding 118 vessels to its 19th sanctions package, bringing the EU blacklist to 444 ships, while the U.K. has sanctioned about 450, and Brussels says it will also target enablers and illegal discharges.
• Denmark announced tighter environmental inspections for older tankers transiting its straits, with ministers citing heightened risks from aging vessels used to move Russian oil.
• Lloyd’s List Intelligence estimates the shadow fleet at roughly 1,300 aging, often underinsured ships, and experts warn a major spill could cost up to €1.4 billion to clean up.