100 old tankers to circumvent oil sanctions: FT writes about the formation of Russia’s “shadow fleet”
Russia has probably already purchased more than 100 outdated tankers to form the so-called shadow fleet to bypass the sanctions coming into force on December 5 to transport oil to China, India, and Turkey, the Financial Times writes, citing analysts.
According to shipping broker Braemar, the number of unknown buyers of tankers that are 12-15 years old has recently increased. They are sure that most of these vessels are intended for Russia.
Analysts of the company believe that this year 109 different tankers were purchased for Russia, including 29 super tankers (VLCC), which can transport more than 2 million barrels of oil.
It is also about 31 Suezmax tankers, which can carry about 1 million barrels, and 49 Aframax tankers (about 700 thousand barrels).
Experts believe that such a “shadow fleet” of the Russian Federation can reduce the impact of sanctions, but will not solve the problem, because to maintain export flows, such tankers will need at least 240.
On Monday, December 5, the EU sanctions against Russian oil will come into force.
On December 2, the EU, G7, and Australia agreed on a ceiling price of $60 per barrel for Russian oil transported by sea.
