EU proposes inspections of Russian oil tankers

Pars Today — The European External Action Service (EEAS) has called on EU member states to support a plan to inspect Russia’s oil tankers under the so-called “shadow fleet” initiative.

According to an EEAS document seen by Reuters on Sunday, Brussels has asked member states to approve a maritime directive enabling inspections of Russian tankers. The document notes that EU members have increasingly sought to take measures against Russia’s shadow fleet, citing examples such as France’s action on the Buracay vessel, Estonia’s decisions regarding the Kiwala, and Germany’s measures on the Oventin.

The EEAS added that the Russian shadow fleet is estimated to include 600 to 1,400 tankers, while the EU has sanctioned over 400 vessels. /IRNA