Story perspectives

Ireland to Empower Navy Against Shadow Fleet Oil Tankers

4/4/2026

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Irish Navy Monitoring

A ship from the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Limerick dropped anchor near subsea cables off Ireland's west coast.
A surge of 'shadow fleet' oil tankers carrying sanctioned Russian oil has been detected in the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with vessels in poor condition.
The Irish government plans to draft legislation to empower the Naval Service to monitor these ships.

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Ukraine Targets Shadow Fleet

The Kyiv Independent reports that Russia's shadow fleet transports sanctioned oil and uses Western technology, including Starlink.
Ukrainian sailors described recruitment via social media and being unaware of illicit activities.
The United States Coast Guard arrested crew members of the Bella-1 after changing its registration to Russian to evade capture.
The European Union and United Kingdom have sanctioned hundreds of vessels.
Ukrainian officials urge stronger measures against the shadow fleet.

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Irish Navy Monitoring

A ship from the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Limerick dropped anchor near subsea cables off Ireland's west coast.
A surge of 'shadow fleet' oil tankers carrying sanctioned Russian oil has been detected in the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with vessels in poor condition.
The Irish government plans to draft legislation to empower the Naval Service to monitor these ships.

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