Shadow Fleets and Their Use by Tankers in Singapore

Singapore is witnessing an increase in “rogue” or “shadow fleet” tankers in its waters, with at least 27 identified in the Singapore Strait and another 130 nearby in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago. This surge is attributed to Western sanctions on oil exports from countries like Russia and Iran, leading to an unofficial maritime network. Shadow fleets, often using falsified flags and ownership, evade detection while transporting sanctioned oil and pose significant environmental risks. The rise of these vessels complicates regulatory enforcement and increases the likelihood of maritime accidents, which could result in costly environmental disasters.