The European Union has imposed sanctions on 41 additional vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet, taking the total number of sanctioned ships to nearly 600.

The EU Council reported that these vessels are now banned from entering EU ports and are prohibited from receiving a broad range of maritime transport services.

According to the Council, the sanctions target non-EU tankers that play a role in circumventing the oil price cap, supporting Russia’s energy sector, transporting military equipment, or carrying stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural goods.

The measure is part of the EU’s continued efforts to pressure Russia over its war of aggression against Ukraine.

The EU has implemented 19 sanction packages against Russia to date. Despite these measures, Moscow has adapted, continuing to sell millions of barrels of oil to India and China, albeit at discounted prices compared with global rates.

Much of this oil is transported using vessels operating outside the Western maritime industry, often referred to as Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Earlier this week, the EU also sanctioned Russian oil traders Murtaza Lakhani and Etibar Eyyub for facilitating the circumvention of Western sanctions on crude exports, which contribute to funding Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

The sanctions are part of the EU’s wider plan, which includes targeting shadow fleet enablers and using international maritime law to tackle threats and protect undersea infrastructure.

The EU has said it is prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia and its shadow fleet if needed.

References: reuters, consilium eu