Shadow tankers retreat to the Russian flag as false-flag numbers fall

A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), published on 25 September, finds that 107 vessels joined Russia's ship register between January 2025 and June 2026, a 36 per cent increase, with 25 added in December 2025 alone. Over the same period the number of Russia-trading shadow fleet ships sailing under false flags fell from 101 to 45. EUobserver notes the consequence for European coastal states: detaining a ship that now flies the Russian flag risks a direct diplomatic clash with Moscow.

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