The product tanker Kapitan Gotsky (at the back), with a deadweight of 73,000 tons and built in 2008, is among the 183 sanctioned Russian shadow ships, of which 155 are crude oil or product tankers. Photo: Aker Arctic

Af Benita Dreyer-Andersen 29. april 2025 19:02

The shadow fleet remains one of the EU’s biggest headaches — or more precisely, how to limit its transit through European waters.

Now, the European Commission has introduced new mandatory insurance reporting requirements for all vessels operating in EU waters.

This is reported by gcaptain.com.

The amendment to the Vessel Traffic Monitoring Directive (2022/59/EC) now requires ships to present proof of insurance, even if they do not intend to call at EU ports.

This measure is part of a broader effort to strengthen maritime safety and protect the environment from threats posed by the shadow fleet, which often operates outside conventional regulations.

- This is a targeted measure with significant impact that improves the preparedness of EU coastal states. It reflects the EU’s commitment to safer and more environmentally responsible maritime operations, says Magda Kopczynska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport.

She emphasizes that the directive ensures all ships in EU waters comply with the highest standards of insurance and accountability, protecting both coastal states and the many people working in the maritime sector.

Kopczynska adds that it’s crucial for the EU to take proactive steps to address challenges in the global maritime industry:

- We’re seeing a growing trend of ships trying to circumvent regulation by operating in grey areas. With this directive, we send a clear signal that the EU will not tolerate such practices.
She adds that the directive is also part of the EU’s strategy to promote sustainable development and reduce the risk of environmental disasters caused by unregulated shipping.