Russias Aging Ships Spark Oil Spill Catastrophe Off Crimea

A recent oil spill off the coast of Crimea has underscored the dangers posed by Russia’s “dark fleet” of aging ships. The incident involves two Russian tankers, both over 50 years old, that were damaged during a storm and released nearly 4,000 tons of oil into the Kerch Strait.

The Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239 vessels, carrying nearly 9,000 metric tons of oil products, suffered significant damage after being battered by heavy winds. The Volgoneft 212, which was traveling with a crew of 14, split in half and took on water, resulting in the death of one crew member and the rescue of 12 others. In contrast, all 14 crew members aboard the Volgoneft 239 were rescued.

Greenpeace Ukraine has warned that the oil spill poses an “environmental catastrophe” in the Kerch Strait, which is already considered a sensitive ecosystem due to its proximity to the Crimean Peninsula. The region experienced severe environmental damage in 2007 after a separate oil spill, with estimates suggesting between 1,200 and 1,600 tons of oil were released.

The use of aging ships by Russia’s energy sector has been a contentious issue for Western powers. In response to the G7-imposed oil price cap on Russian oil in December 2022, Moscow expanded its shadow network of mostly older vessels to circumvent restrictions and continue trading at market prices. According to the European Union, these shadow tankers have helped Russia evade Western sanctions and maintain access to lucrative energy markets.

However, this strategy comes with significant risks, including increased vulnerability to accidents and potential environmental damage. The majority of Russian oil exports are carried by ships that are over 20 years old, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finland-based think-tank. In contrast, major Western oil companies typically opt for vessels under 15 years old.

The European Union has taken steps to crack down on Russia’s dark fleet. On Monday, the EU sanctioned an additional 52 ships previously identified as part of this network, banning them from accessing EU ports and services. These vessels were deemed to be involved in high-risk shipping practices, including transporting Russian oil or petroleum products, arms deliveries, grain theft, or supporting the Russian energy sector.

Furthermore, a group of European countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden, plans to increase checks on the insurance coverage of tankers carrying Russian oil. While no immediate consequences are expected for ships with inadequate coverage, the increased scrutiny is aimed at mitigating potential risks and ensuring greater transparency in the industry.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how effectively these measures will address the concerns surrounding Russia’s aging fleet and its implications for global energy markets. The use of shadow tankers has become a contentious issue, with both environmental and economic consequences that are likely to have far-reaching repercussions.