Image Credentials: Image Title: The Rise of Shadow Operations: The Ageing Tankers Carrying Sanctioned Cargoes Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: July 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle Staff | Shadow Protocols with Agencies
In a worrying trend that is reshaping the global shipping industry, nearly two-thirds of ageing tankers have found themselves engaged in shadow operations, carrying cargoes from countries under international sanctions. According to data from broker Gibson, an alarming 63% of tankers older than 25,000 dwt and built before 2009 have been involved in trading sanctioned oil from Iran, Venezuela, and Russia over the past six months.
These vessels, many of which are well beyond their prime in terms of trading lifespan, are playing a crucial role in transporting oil to countries that have faced heavy sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. While these tankers have long surpassed the conventional lifespan for maritime vessels, they are now operating in the grey zones of global trade, effectively avoiding the stricter regulations enforced on newer, more compliant ships.
This trend is part of a broader shift in global shipping, where the fleet of ageing tankers, some of which are now over 20 years old, is being used for shadow operations. These vessels, operating primarily under the radar of international regulators, are increasingly difficult to track and regulate, leading to concerns about their safety and impact on global shipping. With the global tanker fleet ageing rapidly, nearly 48% of all tankers will be over 21 years old by 2030, according to Xclusiv Shipbrokers from Greece.
For many of these older ships, the extension of their operational life is primarily due to the demand for carrying sanctioned cargoes from countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia, which have found ways to evade the scrutiny of traditional maritime inspection systems. Despite increasing international pressure to clamp down on such vessels, their numbers continue to grow.
The shadow fleet has become a major headache for global regulators, particularly in light of recent incidents involving these older tankers. Allianz’s annual shipping report, published earlier this year, pointed out that despite efforts to reduce the number of vessels operating in the grey market, the fleet’s size continues to increase. The report also highlighted several dangerous incidents, including groundings and collisions, which experts attribute to the poor condition of many of these ageing vessels.
The shadow fleet’s presence has raised serious questions about maritime safety. Ships in this fleet often lack proper maintenance, having bypassed regulations designed to keep vessels safe and seaworthy. As these vessels continue to age, the risks associated with their operation are only expected to increase.
One high-profile example of the dangers of these vessels occurred in 2023 when the Pablo, an Aframax tanker from the shadow fleet, exploded in Malaysian waters. The explosion was one of the most notable casualties in the shipping industry that year, drawing attention to the perils posed by the growing grey fleet.
While efforts to regulate and control the shadow fleet have been ramped up by the US, EU, and UK, experts are beginning to acknowledge that the task may be nearly impossible. According to a recent report from broker BRS, the sheer scale of the fleet makes it difficult for authorities to enforce meaningful regulation. “Although regulators and governments are keeping an eye on the grey fleet, its enormous size now arguably makes it harder to regulate,” the report states.
Moreover, these tankers often operate in regions with lax enforcement of international maritime laws, further complicating efforts to curtail their activities. The shadow fleet thrives on the fact that these older vessels can remain in service long after their typical operating life has ended, making it difficult for experts to predict when they will eventually be decommissioned.
As the global tanker fleet continues to age and the shadow fleet grows, it seems increasingly clear that this segment of the shipping industry is not going away anytime soon. While international regulators remain committed to cracking down on vessels carrying sanctioned cargoes, experts warn that the scale of the issue is overwhelming, and efforts to curb the practice may not be enough.
As the maritime world grapples with the rise of the shadow fleet, the question remains: Can the international community find a way to regulate these vessels before their aging infrastructure leads to more catastrophic accidents? The challenge is immense, but as global shipping continues to evolve, the need for effective oversight becomes ever more pressing.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.