Latest EU sanctions package targets Russian STS transfers

Ships engaging in illegal ship-to-ship transfers (STS) of Russian oil or found to be turning off their AIS transponders will be banned from accessing EU ports.

PHOTO: EU flags outside the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. Getty Images

The EU made the decision after it observed an increase in fraudulent practices by vessels transporting Russian crude and refined products by concealing the oil's origin. This is in violation of the EU's import ban on seaborne Russian oil imports, and of the price caps it has in place on Russian oil together with G7 nations and Australia.

Several STS transfers of Russian Urals crude were recently recorded off the Canary Islands in Spain and off Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

“We want to counter the increase of deceptive practices by vessels transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products which aim to hide the origin of the oil and circumvent our import ban and price cap on the transport and services to third countries,” the EU informed in its recently released 11th sanctions package against Russia.

Turning off AIS transponders during voyages to EU ports raises concerns of suspicious movements, the EU added.

If a vessel fails to notify the authority at least 48 hours in advance about STS activity that it plans to carry out in a member state's Exclusive Economic Zone or within 12 nautical miles from its coast, the vessel will be prohibited from accessing EU ports.

The EU has also warned that STS transfers pose a threat to marine life.

By Nithin Chandran

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