Today, the European Council formalized its latest sanctions package, marking the fourteenth in its series, with a notable focus on specific vessels and Sovcomflot, a major player in the Russian shipping industry. This marks the first time the EU has targeted individual ships as part of its sanctions strategy, aimed at increasing pressure on Russia in light of its actions regarding Ukraine.
The sanctions list includes 27 vessels, several of which overlap with previous sanctions imposed by the U.S. and UK. The measures encompass restrictions on port access and service provisions for these vessels, seen as a coordinated effort to curb Russian activities.
In a statement detailing the sanctions, the EU Commission emphasized the new approach, stating, “For the first time, the EU has adopted measures directly targeting vessels involved in Russia’s actions against Ukraine, including port access bans and service prohibitions.” Additionally, the package expands to include new listings targeting individuals and entities deemed responsible for actions that threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence.
The designated vessels are implicated in various activities, such as transporting military equipment, illicitly acquired Ukrainian grain, and supporting Russia’s energy sector. Specifically targeted are tankers associated with the shadowy “dark fleet,” which the EU accuses of evading international norms and circumventing sanctions.
Among those named are Sovcomflot and its executives, highlighting the company’s significant role in the energy sector. The sanctions extend to include individuals from various sectors, including business, media, and the military.
The vessels singled out operate under flags of convenience from countries like Gabon, the Cook Islands, Cameroon, and Guinea-Bissau. Many are linked directly to Sovcomflot, while others operate under third-party entities established in jurisdictions such as Dubai, a tactic used to evade sanctions.
Notorious vessels like the Andromeda Star (registered in Panama) are included in the sanctions list, notable for incidents such as presenting falsified documents and facing attacks while navigating the Red Sea.
The EU’s sanctions package also extends beyond tankers to include vessels involved in LNG transport and heavy lift operations, as well as companies managing ports used for military logistics.
The comprehensive nature of the sanctions package has exceeded earlier expectations, which initially centered on the LNG sector. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized its impact, stating, “This package will restrict Russia’s access to critical technologies, reduce its energy revenues, and address illicit shipping and financial networks.”
Analysts note the effectiveness of similar U.S. and UK sanctions in disrupting vessel operations and deterring international customers from engaging with sanctioned entities.
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