European Nations Issue Warning to Russia-Linked Shadow Fleet

A group of 14 European nations have issued an open warning to shadow-fleet tankers in the Baltic and North Seas, raising the stakes for vessels they say are endangering maritime safety.

Ships can only sail under the flag of one state, and must maintain valid documentation on safety and insurance, among other requirements, the countries said in a joint statement issued by the UK Department for Transport on Monday. Tankers that fail to do so will be treated as stateless vessels, the signatories said, citing an article in a global maritime treaty as legal basis.