Denmark logs 292 passages by alleged Russia-linked 'shadow fleet' vessels in 2025

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Denmark recorded 292 passages in 2025 by vessels allegedly linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” through its waters, public broadcaster DR reported Wednesday, citing official figures.

Data compiled by the Danish Maritime Authority show that tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned Russian oil sailed through Danish straits hundreds of times last year, despite expanded European Union sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy exports.

The vessels, often operating under foreign “flags of convenience” and opaque ownership structures, transit from the eastern Baltic Sea past Bornholm and through Danish waters.

Authorities say the cargo is widely believed to include sanctioned Russian oil, though concerns have also been raised about other potentially sensitive materials.

For the first time, Danish authorities have systematically monitored, summoned and registered vessels formally designated under EU sanctions over the course of a year. The information is shared with the Foreign Ministry and forwarded to the EU, which decides whether ships are added to sanctions lists.

In a written response to DR, Denmark’s Foreign Ministry said efforts to counter the shadow fleet are yielding results. During Denmark’s recent EU presidency, 250 additional vessels were added to the bloc’s sanctions list, bringing the total to 599.

“Denmark has taken the lead in combating the shadow fleet and has brought together a group of countries to coordinate further international initiatives,” the ministry said, adding that sanctions have made operations “more difficult and expensive” for the fleet.