The tanker “Marinera”, formerly “Bella 1” (archive photo): The ship was stopped by US soldiers this week.Image: keystone
The USA is taking action against Putin’s shadow fleet. Now shipping experts are observing a bizarre trend.
Jan 9, 2026, 6:33 p.mJan 9, 2026, 6:33 p.m
Peter Riesbeck / t-online
Following the US military’s action against a suspected tanker from the Russian shadow fleet in the North Atlantic, several ships are changing their flag state. According to shipping insurer Lloyd’s, 17 ships have returned to the Russian flag in the past four weeks alone. Compared to just 15 freighters in the previous five months. This was reported by the newspaper “Guardian”.
The shadow fleet refers to ships that flee under a new flag in view of the West’s Ukraine sanctions. Russian head of state Vladimir Putin can thus circumvent the Western oil embargo and earn foreign currency for his war chest.
Most recently, the US Navy hunted down the tanker “Marinera” and captured the freighter in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland. The ship had previously broken through the US blockade off Venezuela and on the journey suddenly specified Russia as the new flag state. The US Navy also detained the tanker “M/T Sophia”. The US Navy published corresponding images.
Shipping expert Bridget Diakun put the number of shadow freighters that are circumventing the oil sanctions against Russia, Iran and Venezuela at around 1,400 ships. However, in recent weeks there has been a trend to return to the Russian flag. The background is probably the hope that Russia could support the occupation. After the incident off Iceland, the Kremlin demanded the release of the Russian members of the “Marinera” crew.
The Shadow Fleet has also been linked to drone incidents in the Baltic Sea. Among other things in Denmark. The US broadcaster CNN reported at the end of last yearthat beyond the ship’s crew, Russian agents are also being sent on board the shadow fleet.
Danish security expert Jacob Kaarsbo told CNN: “Anyone who has even the slightest knowledge knows that these people are taking their orders from the Russian state, but it is difficult to prove.”
Sources used: