The G7, together with several European countries, has issued a warning about the growing use of ghost fleets, vessels that operate to evade sanctions and engage in illegal activities, with the involvement of certain state actors. In a statement released recently, countries such as Belgium, Canada, and the European Union pledged to strengthen cooperation to counter these practices. A deep concern is expressed about unsafe and illicit navigation facilitated by some operators, emphasizing the need to exchange information rapidly in order to strengthen sanctions and policy responses.
The meeting of the Working Group on Ghost Fleets, which took place on October 8, highlights the impact of the sanctions imposed in 2022 on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which has led to a significant increase in these fleets to evade Western measures. Experts estimate that these vessels transport more than 10% of global oil shipped by sea. Recently, the French Navy intercepted a Russian tanker linked to this network, and European leaders have urged stepping up pressure on these fleets to disrupt Moscow's financing sources and reduce the potential drone-related threats.
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