SAFETY risks posed by unregulated oil tankers are rising, and the so-called shadow fleet is a threat to both the maritime environment and seafarers, according to the head of the UN's International Maritime Organisation, reports Reuters
The shadow fleet refers to hundreds of ships used by Russia to move oil, in violation of international restrictions imposed on it over the Ukraine war, as well as by oil exporters such as Iran and Venezuela hit by US sanctions.
At least 65 oil tankers dropped anchor this week at multiple locations, including off the coasts of China and Russia, since the United States announced a new sanctions package on January 10.
"The risk is growing in relation to the environmental impact and the safety of the seafarers as the shadow fleet grows," said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
"We see it by different accidents and events that have taken place."
Mr Dominguez, who could not comment on sanctions, said his biggest concern was with ageing tankers, which were "putting people onboard at risk and the environment as well".
"The more that ships start looking to ... avoid meeting the IMO requirements, the more that we will have situations like we have been experiencing in the last part of 2024."
There have been a number of incidents involving collisions and shadow fleet vessels breaking down in recent months.
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