Norway tightens tanker inspections, targets Russia’s “shadow fleet”
Starting Monday, 11 August, Norwegian authorities will implement new control measures aimed at disrupting the operations of the so-called “shadow fleet” – a network of tankers transporting Russian crude oil in circumvention of international sanctions. Vessels transiting Norway’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will be required to carry an additional CLC insurance certificate, confirming coverage for potential costs of an environmental disaster.
In brief
Norway has required tankers passing through its exclusive economic zone to carry an additional CLC insurance policy covering the costs of an environmental disaster since Monday, 11 August. The Norwegian Coastal Administration oversees the new requirements and the Norwegian Maritime Authority verifies the documents, and the lack of a valid policy may prevent a vessel from continuing its voyage. Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss stressed that the shadow fleet threatens the environment and shipping and finances Russia's war. Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom have already introduced similar procedures.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration will be responsible for inspecting passing vessels, while the Norwegian Maritime Authority will verify the provided documentation. Ships lacking valid CLC coverage may be denied passage through waters adjacent to Norway’s coastline.
According to Oslo, the measure could significantly impact tanker routes from northern Russian ports, many of which pass close to Norwegian waters. “The ‘shadow fleet’ poses increased risks both to the environment and to maritime safety. It also contributes to financing Russia’s illegal war,” said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Norway’s exclusive economic zone spans the western coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the waters surrounding the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, and Jan Mayen Island in the North Atlantic. By joining Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom – all of which have already introduced similar measures – Norway aims to further restrict the shadow fleet’s operational access to European ports.
Source: Gazeta Morska / PAP · Compiled by: Michał Iwański
Related articles
Navy and defence Port Gdański Eksploatacja secures NATO NCAGE code. Gdańsk port company lines up for defence tenders 
Shipbuilding industry Ex-Enterprise towed to Mobile under $418.5m contract. Test case for Nimitz-class disposal begins 
Maritime economy Poland’s constitutional crisis is also a maritime story 
Safety and rescue Polish SAR’s new rescue vessel Mistral launched at Kewatec in Finland 
Investments Port of Gdańsk opens T5 offshore installation terminal, bringing Baltica 2 logistics home from Bornholm 
Maritime economy Bursztyn Unity to raise the Polish flag, but crew terms remain an open question
Comments (0)
The discussion is moderated by the editors: a comment appears after review. Your e-mail address is not published.
Nobody has commented on this article yet.