Russia-linked tankers ‘going dark’
Shipping analysts Windward see a rise in suspicious activity by Russia-affiliated vessels since start of Ukraine war
“Deceptive shipping practices and dark activity have quickly multiplied” since the start of the Ukraine war, according to maritime data analysts Windward. Oceangoing vessels are obliged to transmit their location through transponder signals at regular intervals. But there are natural gaps in coverage, since the land-based receivers are not always in range, plus some updates can be lost due to "signal collision”, particularly in busy areas. Windward defines “dark activity” as gaps in vessel-tracking data they judge to be suspicious and likely to involve illicit—particularly sanction-breaking—manoeuvres. Since the imposition of sanctions against Russia, Windward has logged an average of 6.3 da
Also in this section
29 April 2024
Although recent, firmer gas prices have blunted some price-sensitive demand, the overall growth outlook remains robust
26 April 2024
While the US has been breaking records for its premium grade crude, there are doubts over whether you can have too much of a good thing
26 April 2024
Slowing demand growth and capacity expansions will squeeze refiners in coming years
25 April 2024
Some companies with assets in Israel have turned towards Egypt as tensions escalate, but others are holding firm despite rising tensions