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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Dealing with the shadow fleet requires joint and coordinated action

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

20.06.2025 | 09:00

Today, on 19 June, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna participated in a high-level video meeting to discuss dealing with Russia's shadow fleet.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, representatives of 14 countries declare that Russia's attempts to circumvent international sanctions by using a shadow fleet must be countered with joint and coordinated action.

"Today, we have agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and ensure a joint and coordinated approach by our national authorities to address Russia's shadow fleet. We intend to compile a common set of guidelines in line with international law to promote responsible behaviour at sea, strengthen compliance with international law, and ensure transparency across maritime operations," the joint statement says.

"We recall that the risks posed by the shadow fleet, including potential environmental damage as well as risks to maritime safety and security, the integrity of international seaborne trade, critical undersea infrastructure and respect for international maritime rules and standards, extend far beyond the Baltic and North Seas and could have global impact. We call on others to join our efforts," the states note.

The Danish and Estonian foreign ministers and senior officials from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland participated in the video meeting convened by the Danish Foreign Minister.

"When it comes to Russia's shadow fleet, we have recently witnessed two new trends - Russia's increasingly dangerous behaviour to protect the shadow fleet and the movement of an increasing number of unflagged vessels," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

According to the foreign minister, the appeals made in recent months to countries offering flags of convenience have been effective, as several countries have started to remove Russian shadow fleet vessels from their registers.

"However, the increase in the number of unflagged ships requires allies and partners to develop a coordinated approach to unflagged ships," Tsahkna said.

Joint statement in full.