Tanks from Russia and Iran bypass sanctions. The problem is growing

These tankers, deprived of actual registration in the recognized state of Bandera, operate in fact outside the international supervision system and are uninsured. This means the risk of serious ecological disasters. Most of them belong to the so -called “Shadow Fleet”, which bypasses Western sanctions for the export of Russian and Iranian oil. According to data, as many as 73 out of 92 identified units transport oil covered with sanctions, and almost half of them are on the black lists of the USA, the EU or Great Britain.

Documents for ships and false certificates for sailors are offered by Maritime Safety & Technical Administration (MSTA), officially registered in Beverly Hills, USA, although digital infrastructure suggests connections with India. From May 2024 to June 2025, MSTA registered 76 tankers, many of which were already covered by sanctions. The investigation also reveals the relationship between some ships with the Iranian state company SEPEHR Energy and a transport network associated with Hezbollah and Huti.

“Parallel fish” with a growing problem

According to analysts, the problem is deepening with the exacerbation of sanctions. The number of tankers under a false flag has increased seven times within two years. According to the maritime industry experts, the “parallel market” of oil transport is created, completely outside the international supervisory and responsibility system.