Russia Expands 'Shadow Fleet' to Evade Sanctions
Russia's 'shadow fleet' of tankers is expanding again to circumvent British sanctions and maintain revenue from energy exports, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The UK Foreign Office stated that Moscow is attempting to build this new 'shadow fleet' to sustain revenues from its gas exports, which are critical to the Russian state's future income.
The expansion includes at least two newly built tankers designed to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Arctic. These vessels entered service earlier this year and measure approximately 984 feet in length.
The UK government disclosed the reported expansion as it announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting vessels acquired to support Moscow's energy exports.