United Kingdom Intends to Create Center to Counter Russian Shadow Fleet

The United Kingdom plans to strengthen its response to the Russian shadow fleet and create a special command center to monitor and possibly intercept sanctioned vessels.

This is according to an investigation by The Sunday Times, which cites security sources.

According to their information, the new headquarters will allow the military to gather intelligence, track ships that help Russia circumvent sanctions, and, if necessary, intercept them at sea.

The command center is planned to be located at the HMS Calliope training complex in Gateshead, which is currently used by the Royal Navy reserve.

The facility is to be converted into a full-fledged military base with the ability to control remotely operated marine platforms.

From this center, unmanned boats will be able to patrol the waters of the North Sea and the English Channel at a distance of up to 800 kilometers.

In the future, such platforms will monitor Russian tankers, detect ships flying false flags or with changed names, and record the routes of the shadow fleet.

The publication notes that one of the key problems remains the high cost of long-term detention of seized ships and their cargoes.

The team of British Defense Minister John Gilli is considering the possibility of selling oil from seized tankers to offset the costs of their detention and subsequent maintenance.

As a reminder, European states recently announced control over Russia’s shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea.