The European Union has approved its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, expanding restrictions on the country's energy, financial and military sectors while adding another 41 vessels to its growing blacklist of ships linked to Moscow's shadow fleet.
The measures, adopted by the Council of the European Union, represent one of the bloc's broadest sanctions packages since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with 218 new listings covering 48 individuals and 170 entities.
'This package includes the highest number of listings in four years,' EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
Maritime Measures
The maritime measures continue the EU's campaign against Russia's so-called shadow fleet of aging tankers used to transport oil outside Western sanctions. The latest package expands existing rules to cover vessels that support the fleet by providing bunkering and other services, while adding 41 more ships to the sanctions list, bringing the total number of sanctioned vessels to 673.
The package also targets companies supporting the shadow fleet. Eight entities and one individual have been sanctioned, including firms operating on behalf of major Russian oil companies and, for the first time, a crewing agency accused of supporting shadow fleet operations.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
