UK can legally stop shadow fleet tankers, ministers believe
Summary
The UK government believes it can legally stop ships in "shadow fleets" that do not have a valid national flag. These ships are allegedly helping countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela avoid sanctions. The UK is working with allies to take action against these vessels.Key Facts
- The UK plans to use legal powers to stop and detain ships in "shadow fleets" using military force.
- Shadow fleets involve ships that operate without a national flag to avoid sanctions, and are linked to Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
- British armed forces recently helped the US seize an oil tanker carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, which violated US sanctions.
- The Sanctions and Money Laundering Act from 2018 is the legal basis the UK plans to use.
- The UK has already imposed sanctions on over 500 of these "shadow" vessels.
- The government says actions have forced about 200 ships to stop operating, many of which were without a legitimate flag.
- The Ministry of Defence has stated that disrupting the Russian shadow fleet is a priority.
- The UK is increasing insurance checks on ships, with over 600 vessels stopped near the British Isles.
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