European States Claim Control Over Russia’s Shadow Fleet in the Baltic Sea

Fourteen European countries have issued a joint statement warning Russia that its shadow fleet tankers will no longer be able to operate freely in the Baltic Sea.

Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom signed the document.

The statement says that, from now on, tankers that change flags, turn off transponders, or lack the necessary documents will be considered stateless vessels.

Such ships can be detained without incurring legal risk, significantly limiting Russian carriers’ ability to circumvent sanctions.

The uninterrupted operation of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) is critical for maritime transport. These systems provide the navigation accuracy and time synchronization necessary for safe navigation.

The role of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which coordinates ship movements and responds to emergencies, was highlighted separately. Manipulation of AIS data, including falsification, increases the risk of accidents and complicates rescue operations.

The document also emphasizes the need for strict compliance with international maritime conventions, in particular SOLAS, MARPOL, and UNCLOS. Vessels that violate the rules will be subject to detention.