The United Arab Emirates recently made a decision to ban Russian shadow fleet tankers from entering their ports. This ban includes tankers that are registered under the flag of Eswatini, a landlocked African country.
According to Bloomberg, the UAE’s decision to ban these tankers is a strategic move to distance themselves from the shadow fleet that has been transporting Russian oil. Previously, the UAE had also banned tankers that were flagged under Cameroon in an effort to prevent the evasion of sanctions through these vessels.
Interestingly, there was a significant increase in the number of tankers sailing under the Eswatini flag from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, there were no ships sailing under this flag, but suddenly, 26 ships appeared in 2024. This sudden surge in the number of Eswatini-flagged tankers raised suspicions about their involvement in transporting oil from Russia and Iran.
It is worth noting that there is limited information available about the ownership of 16 out of the 26 Eswatini-flagged tankers. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the true intentions behind the sudden emergence of these vessels.
Further investigation revealed that some Western insurance companies had provided coverage for 10 tankers that sailed from Russia to Asia. One specific tanker, the Viktor Bakayev, has been transporting oil from the Baltic to China, challenging the G7 sanctions that are aimed at restricting Russia’s oil fleet.
The decision by the UAE to ban Russian shadow fleet tankers from their ports reflects a larger global effort to crack down on illicit activities that aim to circumvent sanctions. By taking this stance, the UAE is sending a clear message that they will not tolerate any attempts to undermine international regulations and sanctions.
Overall, the ban on Eswatini-flagged tankers and the broader crackdown on shadow fleet vessels demonstrate the importance of transparency and accountability in the maritime industry. It is crucial for countries to work together to prevent the misuse of flags of convenience and ensure that vessels are operating in compliance with international laws and regulations.