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Dark Shipping News

May 19, 2023

Vessel Safety Inspections Rising in China as the Global Dark Fleet Continues to Grow

As the global dark fleet grows amidst restrictions on Russian oil, vessel safety is becoming a primary cause for concern. Local maritime authorities in China are now carrying out enhanced safety inspections on vessels more than 15 years old after two vessels, one of which was carrying Russian oil, had trouble offloading cargo at the port of Qingdao.

Vessel Safety Inspections Rising in China as the Global Dark Fleet Continues to Grow

May 18, 2023

Maritime Authorities from the US, UK, and Other Countries Call for Action Against Unregulated Ship-to-Ship Oil Transfers at Sea

Countries are calling for increased monitoring and action against illicit ship-to-ship oil transfers at sea as fears grow over environmental ramifications. Unregulated oil transfers undermine international maritime law and threaten global efforts to mitigate shipping pollution.

Maritime Authorities from the US, UK, and Other Countries Call for Action Against Unregulated Ship-to-Ship Oil Transfers at Sea

Feb 15, 2023

UK Maritime Insurance Company Accused of Allowing Fishing Vessels to Operate as Dark Ships

Controversy ensues over EU-flagged fishing vessels breaching international and EU flag laws by going dark while in operation, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

UK Maritime Insurance Company Accused of Allowing Fishing Vessels to Operate as Dark Ships

Feb 7, 2023

Iran's Ghost Fleet Shifts to Trading Russian Oil

At least 16 vessels from Iran's ghost fleet have moved to Russian crude, as the premium on Russian trade soars to around 150% of normal market rates.

Iran's Ghost Fleet Shifts to Trading Russian Oil

Feb 3, 2023

Dark Fleet Trading Russian Oil Continues to Grow, Reaching Approximately 600 Tankers

The fleet of oil tankers operating as dark ships to trade Russian oil continues to grow, with estimates showing approximately 20% of the global fleet shifting from mainstream trades to Russian oil.

Dark Fleet Trading Russian Oil Continues to Grow, Reaching Approximately 600 Tankers

Jan 25, 2023

Reutech Develops Navigation Radar Receiver that Can Detect Dark Ships Not Transmitting AIS Data

The new technology developed by Reutech can passively detect dark ships not transmitting radar or AIS data, unlike traditional radars that need an active signal to identify.

Reutech Develops Navigation Radar Receiver that Can Detect Dark Ships Not Transmitting AIS Data

Jan 23, 2023

Researchers Identify "Highly-Vulnerable" Location where an Oil Spill Could Severely Disrupt the Global Energy Supply

Researchers identify area in Qatar where an oil spill could disrupt an already volatile energy supply chain. Over 20% of the global LNG supply is shipped from a single port on the country's peninsula.

Researchers Identify "Highly-Vulnerable" Location where an Oil Spill Could Severely Disrupt the Global Energy Supply

Jan 20, 2023

IMO Finds a Lack of Awareness on Flag Hopping and a General Indifference of Opinion on the Matter in Latest Maritime Survey

The results from one of IMOs latest surveys shows that many in the industry lack knowledge on the issue of flag hopping and other illicit activity that threatens the integrity of the maritime industry as a whole.

IMO Finds a Lack of Awareness on Flag Hopping and a General Indifference of Opinion on the Matter in Latest Maritime Survey

Jan 20, 2023

Shipping Industry Still Struggling to Implement Green Fuels to Reduce Environmental Impacts of Global Trade

The shipping industry is still far from finding a "true" green fuel solution on the journey to decarbonization. With maritime trade accounting for around 3% of the world's carbon emissions, the time for change is now.

Shipping Industry Still Struggling to Implement Green Fuels to Reduce Environmental Impacts of Global Trade

Jan 15, 2023

Barbados Flag Targeted by Iranian-Backed Dark Fleets (Flag Hopping)

Barbados continues to remain a target of flag-hopping dark fleets, particularly from Iranian-linked organizations.

Barbados Flag Targeted by Iranian-Backed Dark Fleets (Flag Hopping)

Jan 10, 2023

Growing Russian Dark Fleets Impose Severe Sanctions Compliance Challenges for the West

The dark fleets responsible for the majority of Russian sanctions circumvention may be growing, according to numerous sources. Cargo includes everything from sanctioned oil to weapons - providing additional strength and resources to powerful Russian forces.

Growing Russian Dark Fleets Impose Severe Sanctions Compliance Challenges for the West

Jan 8, 2023

Quad's Position in the Indo-Pacific Strong as Authorities Continue to Make Progress Against China

After an aggressive end to 2022, China seems to be releasing pressure in their push for the South China Sea. All of this happening as Quad buckles in to gain full control in the Indo-Pacific region.

Quad's Position in the Indo-Pacific Strong as Authorities Continue to Make Progress Against China

Jan 5, 2023

Gibraltar and Kalamata Identified as Transfer Hubs for Sanctioned Russian Crude

Russia continues to find new ports and open ocean locations to make port calls and STS transfers for the continued trade of Russian oil, despite harsh international sanctions.

Gibraltar and Kalamata Identified as Transfer Hubs for Sanctioned Russian Crude

Dec 19, 2022

Vietnamese Authorities Cracking Down on IUU Fishing in the Mekong Delta

Authorities in the Mekong Delta are strategizing and executing to minimize IUU fishing in the region. The efforts come alongside the 'yellow card' warning given by the European Commission for Vietnam's lack of ethical seafood exports.

Vietnamese Authorities Cracking Down on IUU Fishing in the Mekong Delta

Dec 15, 2022

How Dark Shipping Significantly Curbs the Impact of the Oil Price Cap on Russia

Although western authorities have capped Russian oil exports at $60, Russia's dark shipping fleets are running at a greater capacity than ever - keeping western efforts to cripple Russian exports at bay.

How Dark Shipping Significantly Curbs the Impact of the Oil Price Cap on Russia

Dec 9, 2022

US Treasury Doubling-Down on Human Trafficking Aboard Chinese Fishing Vessels

The US Treasury's OFAC recently sanctioned two Chinese individuals and their network of controlled or affiliated assets - with sanctions covering 157 Chinese fishing vessels for human rights and IUU fishing violations.

US Treasury Doubling-Down on Human Trafficking  Aboard Chinese Fishing Vessels

Dec 8, 2022

Growing Dark Fleet Poses Reputational Risk to the Global Shipping Industry

The growing global fleet of dark ships is posing significant reputational risks for those operating legally in the shipping trade. While these damages are bad enough, dark ships also put shipping crews, wildlife, and the natural environment at a heightened risk - leaving many of us wondering, "when will the issue be met with a harsher approach?"

Growing Dark Fleet Poses Reputational Risk to the Global Shipping Industry

Nov 29, 2022

Intricate Mapping Data Visualizes Carbon Emissions Across the Globe

2018 European Commission data mapped for visualization of carbon emissions across every industry, from shipping to aviation. The data is used to represent industry-wide challenges regarding emissions and compares current emissions data with 2050 decarbonization goals.

Intricate Mapping Data Visualizes Carbon Emissions Across the Globe

Nov 25, 2022

Growing Concerns Over Dark Shipping as Tanker Sales Dominated by Undisclosed Buyers

Estimates show that over 50% of recent tanker sales have been made by undisclosed buyers, increasing the risk and concern over dark shipping complications. A continued lack of transparency could spell trouble for the industry.

Growing Concerns Over Dark Shipping as Tanker Sales Dominated by Undisclosed Buyers

Nov 14, 2022

US President Joe Biden Pledges to Support Indonesia in Tackling IUU Fishing in the Region

The US government pledged to assist Indonesia in enhancing its maritime domain awareness and mitigating IUU fishing activity in Indonesian waters ahead of the G20 Summit last week. Two upcoming US programs will also help protect Indonesia's marine biodiversity and vital coastal mangrove ecosystems.

US President Joe Biden  Pledges to Support Indonesia in Tackling IUU Fishing in the Region
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