Expert Warns Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ Could Spark a Major Oil Disaster.

Environmental Safety Under Threat

According to Espreso.tv: Anil Sharma, head of GMS Partnership, has raised alarms over the potential for a large-scale oil spill comparable to the 1979 catastrophe, which released over 2 million barrels of crude and caused severe ecological damage. His warning centers on the failure to scrap aging tankers that Russia continues to operate to circumvent international sanctions. The 1979 incident remains one of the worst environmental disasters in history.

According to recent estimates, the so-called 'shadow fleet' includes roughly 1,800 vessels, of which about 1,500 are oil tankers. The majority of these ships are more than 20 years old, significantly increasing the risk of accidents during operation. Sharma cautioned that

“luck runs out”

European Union Prepares Fresh Sanctions

In response to these risks, the European Union is drafting its 21st sanctions package targeting Russia. The new measures focus on the shadow fleet, financial institutions, and companies involved in exporting stolen Ukrainian grain. These steps aim to curb illegal activities and reduce the environmental hazards posed by the use of outdated ships.

The urgent need to scrap old tankers and impose stricter sanctions grows as threats to environmental safety persist. Relying on an aging fleet not only raises the likelihood of spills but also hinders global efforts to protect the ecosystem. The EU’s upcoming sanctions could mark a critical step in limiting the scope of this problem and preventing potential disasters.