Russia is using vessels referred to as a "shadow fleet" to bypass sanctions. Information regarding this has appeared in the press. Ships belonging to this fleet are registered in countries that are not members of the European Union (EU).
Redaksiya reports that, as confirmed by maritime experts, oil tankers currently in the Baltic Sea are registered in Greece. This does not mean the vessels are violating European sanctions.
Finland's YLE publication writes that the Greek-registered vessel "Velos Topas" was at one of Russia's most important oil ports, Laukansuu, on Saturday. According to the "Marinetraffic" service, another Greek tanker, "Irini," is currently off the coast of St. Petersburg.
To transport Russian oil under the EU flag, several conditions must be met. Firstly, Greek tankers cannot transport Russian oil to European Union countries. Secondly, the price of the cargo must be below the established price cap.
At the end of October, the US announced a package of sanctions against two Russian Federation oil giants, "Rosneft" and "Lukoil," as well as their subsidiaries. These sanctions came into effect on November 21.
On December 5, it became known that the G7 countries and the EU plan to replace the "price cap" imposed on Russian oil with a complete ban on its maritime transportation.
Greek-registered oil tankers have been observed in Russian ports. These vessels are assisting Russia's oil exports.
Despite the EU's attempts to restrict Russian oil trade, Greek tankers are supporting Moscow.