THE British government has announced its largest-ever sanctions package targeting Russia's shadow fleet, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.

The package targets up to 100 oil tankers, which have been responsible for transporting over US$24 billion in cargo since early 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement during the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) meeting in Oslo, citing the shadow fleet as a significant threat to European maritime security.

The sanctions target vessels implicated in unsafe navigation practices, including disabling locator systems and lacking necessary safety certifications.

The UK also revealed that JEF has activated an advanced UK-led monitoring system, Nordic Warden, currently overseeing 22 critical maritime areas, including the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

The sanctions include measures against individuals operating behind the shadow fleet operations, with further international cooperation expected.

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