Denmark intends to block Russian tankers from shadow fleet

Photo: Denmark to block Russian tankers (Getty Images)

Denmark is considering ways to limit the so-called shadow fleet of tankers transporting Russian oil through the Baltic Sea, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen says.

According to him, Denmark has assembled a group of allied countries that are evaluating measures against this shadow fleet. He did not specify what measures are being considered.

"There is broad consensus that the shadow fleet is an international problem and that international solutions are required. It's important that any new measures can be implemented in practice and that they are legally sound with regards to international law," Rasmussen says.

According to the Minister, the talks were attended by other Baltic Sea countries and members of the European Union.

Denmark is concerned that old tankers transporting oil through its straits pose a potential environmental hazard.

Shadow fleet

Ever since Western countries imposed a price cap on Russian oil in an attempt to limit vital supplies for the war in Ukraine, Russia has relied on an aging fleet of tankers based and insured outside the West.

Russia sends about one-third of its maritime oil exports, or 1.5% of global supplies, through the Danish Straits, which are the gateway to the Baltic Sea, so any attempt to stop the shipments could hit the Kremlin's finances.

Earlier, the United States imposed sanctions on the Russian tanker group Sovcomflot to reduce the Kremlin's oil revenues. The EU is preparing a similar step.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has proposed detaining Russian tankers that illegally transport Russian oil around the world.