Event

The threat of Russia’s shadow fleet

This event hosted by UK think tank the Henry Jackson Society discusses the threat of Russia’s shadow fleet.

Russia has been using a fleet of ships to avoid sanctions and financially support its war in Ukraine. This is often facilitated by deceptive and even dangerous practises such broadcasting fake location data, sailing under false flags, and lying about the cargo contents of ships. Not only does this all undermine sanctions, it also poses a national security threat as these ships can be used to launch drones, sabotage sea cables, and conduct espionage.

This event will explore how Russia is using shadow fleets, the threats posed, and how democratic countries can push back against them.

Moderator

Michael McManus has spent nearly 20 years working in politics and international relations. He has experience working in Brussels, where he advised Members of the European Parliament on international trade and aid deals. This included work on post-Arab Spring states and assistance packages to Ukraine.

Speakers

Michelle Wiese Bockmann is a maritime intelligence analyst and writer specialising in sanctioned oil flows and is an expert in the ‘shadow fleet’, deceptive and illicit shipping practices, and their regulatory, security and legal implications.

Petras Katinas is an energy and sanctions analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. He has written extensively on energy and environmental issues, including a focus on the sanctions on the Russian oil industry. He produces detailed monthly intelligence updates on Russian fuel exports and sanctions and has written extensively in multiple press outlets on issues relevant to energy, environment, and Russian sanctions evasions.

Ulla Tapaninen is Full Professor (maritime transport) at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, heading the Maritime Transport Research Group in the Estonian Maritime Academy. She is also Adjunct Professor (maritime economics and logistics) at the University of Turku, Finland. She has worked in key positions in two Finnish shipping companies (bulk and RoRo sector) and worked as a senior expert at the City of Helsinki in charge of maritime cluster development.