Russian tanker owner Sovcomflot refutes US claims of "shadow fleet" involvement
Russian shipping company the Sovcomflot Group has assured that its vessels are not part of the so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers that have been illicitly transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions imposed by the United States.
In a press release dated January 14, 2025, Sovcomflot said that it has been subjected to sanctions from the West for three years beginning in 2022.
"Sovcomflot has always complied and continues to comply with all international and national laws and requirements applicable to it," the company said. "The sanctions against Sovcomflot are not based on violations by the company and have no legal basis, [and] they are motivated solely by the political interests of individual countries, including the United States."
Sovcomflot remarked that such a sanctions policy is increasingly destroying the global system of maritime merchant shipping, which has been developing and operating for decades, adding that it is "regrettable" that political interests are placed above the universal principles of maritime safety.
"The initiators of sanctions by their actions deliberately and purposefully increase the risks to the environment and human health – not only seafarers, but also residents of coastal regions of the world. At the same time, the initiators of sanctions bear full responsibility for the possible consequences of their actions."
Sovcomflot added that the introduction of new sanctions against its vessels creates additional operational difficulties in their operation.
"Sovcomflot continues its systematic work to minimise the negative impact of sanctions on its operations," the company continued. "At the same time, the company, as before, will invariably adhere to high standards of safety and quality of maritime operations and comply with all applicable laws and requirements."
