Category: Security policy

Tankers that circumvent Western sanctions increasingly pose a risk to the Mediterranean region. Greece is now tightening protective measures for its coast and islands. It is estimated that up to 850 oil tankers make up the so-called shadow fleet. These are predominantly old ships (over 15 years old) that transport oil from countries such as Iran, Venezuela and Russia and are difficult to track due to opaque ownership, lack of or inadequate insurance, maintenance and classification (ship MOT). These oil tankers have been involved in at least 50 incidents to date, including fires, engine failures, collisions and oil spills, according to the German insurer Allianz Commercial in its 2024 annual report....