Russian Tankers Have Been Offloading Oil Directly in EU Ports for Weeks

Despite EU sanctions that have banned the maritime transport of Russian crude oil since March 2023, tankers continue to arrive at ports in the European Union.

According to Greenpeace, around 15 tankers have been transporting oil from Russian ports such as Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk to EU ports since July 2024. These ships left Russia fully loaded and arrived at their destinations partially or completely empty, indicating that oil had been offloaded.

These shipments violate existing EU sanctions that prohibit the import of Russian crude oil by sea. The investigation suggests that vessels involved in these activities belong to Greek shipping companies, some of which are linked to what is known as the “shadow fleet,” a group of ships suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions.

Greenpeace also raised concerns about the condition of these ships, noting that many are outdated and could pose potential environmental risks. In the event of an accident, areas such as Fehmarn Island and coastal regions in Germany could be affected. The organization has recommended stricter safety measures, including mandatory piloting through difficult routes and ensuring that ships have adequate insurance coverage.

Additionally, Greenpeace pointed out that since the EU’s ban on Russian oil imports, Russia has increasingly relied on alternative shipping methods, including using vessels from other shipping companies. The report highlights that the use of such vessels has increased by 70% since 2021, with the average age of the tankers rising, which raises further operational risks.