The Strait of Gibraltar has seen more than half of the Russian crude oil transported by dangerous “shadow fleets” of vessels pass through this year. This raises concerns about an environmental disaster.
According to a report by the Kyiv Institute of Economics, between January and June of this year, 56 million barrels (51,3 per cent) of Russian oil transported on ships were passed through the Strait of Kerch on tankers with an average age of 17 years, says the think tank.
Another 29,4 million barrels (of related oil products) were also transported through the Strait by ships with a Russian connection, which averaged 19 years of age.
Western oil companies scrap their tankers after fifteen years because of wear and tear, and maintenance costs.
Three nautical miles are the UK’s territorial water around Gibraltar. The rest belongs to Spain or Morocco.
Already, accidents that seem to be related to the Shadow Fleet have occurred in British waters. Two shadow fleet tankers were in trouble last February, and tugs and salvage ships had to help them. Both tankers recently changed their names and flag registrations. One was registered in Palau, and the other one in Gabon.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, at least 12 more accidents have been linked to the Shadow Fleet.
A separate study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (a non-profit think-tank) found that between January and august this year, the number of shadow oil tankers crossing the Dover Strait increased by 355% compared to the same period in 2012.
Officials have raised concerns over the possibility of a spill related to the shadow fleet in European waters. David O’Sullivan warned that the European Union’s sanctions representative, David O’Sullivan said that the shadow fleet was a “waiting ecological disaster”. He added that the international community should be concerned.
The UK, together with other countries, led an “action call” in July to address the threats that the shadow fleet poses for the environment, maritime security and safety in Europe.
A spokesman from the UK Chamber of Shipping responded to the new findings by saying: “A great deal is unknown about these ships.” The vessels are old, but they lack survey evidence that would allow us to understand the dangers of ecological damage.
Gibraltarian Government spokesman said any major spill could “potentially” kill thousands of seabirds at certain times of the year.
Few tankers seem to be insured to cover the cost of a clean up in the event of a spill.
State Capture and the KSE Institute, two Dutch non-profit organizations, said in a submission made to the parliament that a spill of oil on the English Channel would cost approximately £1.05 billion. There is little information available about the insurance policies carried by shadow tanks, as they are only made available to the flag country of the vessel, but not other parties.
Even so, the Russian insurance industry — which it is believed covers at least part of the shadow fleet – has a poor track record in terms of spill liability claims. Due to sanctions imposed by UK against the largest Russian insurer Ingosstrakh, it is not clear whether any payouts will be made.
The KSE Institute has released a new report that calls for new measures against the shadow fleet. It suggests, in particular, that tankers who fail to adhere to proper insurance disclosure or whose insurance doesn’t meet basic standards should be sanctioned automatically, instead of on a case-by-case, as is currently the practice by most countries.
The UK sanctioned 10 more ships in September after finding them to be linked to the Shadow Fleet. This brings the UK’s total to 25. This is less than the United States whose campaign slowed down in the first half this year.
Specific sanctions were found to be most effective among all methods used to stop the Shadow Fleet. It is estimated that the 74 vessels designated by the US and Britain, as well as the EU have cost Russia $2.5 billion. Only five of these vessels have been able complete their voyages.
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