135 Russia's “ghost fleet” oil, taken directly in London viewfinder. “We will not stay with the cross arms”
The authorities of Estone have detained an oilman who is part of the “ghost fleet” of Russia and sailing in the territorial waters of Estonia in Finland's bay. Rohuneeme, northern Estonia, on 11.04.2025. Photo: Eero Vabamägi / Imago Stock and People / Profimedia
The United Kingdom imposed new sanctions on the so-called “ghost fleet” on Monday, aiming at 135 oil and two Russian companies, respectively the InterShiping Services LLC and Litco Middle East DMCC, which performs oil transactions, Reuters and AFP reports.
“Ghost” oils are very important for Russia's energy and oil sectors, the British government saying that they represent part of the fleet that has transported a load of $ 24 billion since the beginning of 2024.
Foreign Minister David Lammy has said that the new sanctions will continue to destroy the “ghost fleet” and that they will “deprive Russia from his critical oil revenues.”
The London government claims that Intershiping Services LLC is responsible for the registration of ships under the Gabonez flag, which allows them to transport goods worth up to $ 10 billion on behalf of the Russian state.
Sanctions were also imposed against the Litco Middle East DMCC, which has links with the Russian oil company Lukoil, “for its role in the transport of large quantities of Russian oil on the ghost fleet,” the British government said.
“While (Vladimir) Putin continues to delay the start of serious peace negotiations, we will not stay with the cross arms. We will continue to use all the power of our sanctions regime to increase the economic pressure at every moment,” said the head of British diplomacy.
Over 400 ships were totally targeted by sanctions of the United Kingdom from the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022.
The Russian Embassy in Moscow did not respond to a Reuters request to comment on the latest sanctions. Moscow has previously cataloged the Western sanctions as illegal and appreciated that they will destabilize the global energy markets.
On Friday, the EU reached an agreement on a 18th pack of sanctions against Russia, which contains several measures that would affect the Moscow oil and energy industry.
During these measures, the EU and the United Kingdom have adopted plans to pay the price of imported Russian oil at $ 47.60, from $ 60 barrel, as far as the average.
