US Seizes Russian-linked Oil Tankers Amid Rise of 'Dark Fleet' Evasion Tactics

The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted and seized three oil tankers in the Mediterranean last week, all linked to a shadowy network known as the 'dark fleet'—vessels using altered identities and AIS spoofing to evade sanctions. Among them was the MV Marinera, flagged under a shell company, carrying 1.2 million barrels of crude from Russia’s Black Sea ports. These vessels are part of an expanding effort by Russian exporters to bypass Western restrictions following the imposition of new sanctions targeting seaborne crude shipments. The seizures come amid tightening enforcement by U.S. and European authorities, who have identified over 450 suspect vessels in recent months attempting to conceal their movements. According to intelligence assessments, these dark fleets now account for roughly 35% of Russian seaborne oil exports, up from 18% in early 2024. This shift has prompted concerns about market distortion, with crude prices on CL=F rising 6.3% in the past 10 days due to fears of supply disruption and increased logistical risk. Shipping stocks reacted sharply: Petrobras (PBR.TO) dipped 4.7% as investors priced in broader geopolitical instability, while Williams Partners (WPC) saw a 3.2% decline on expectations of reduced energy throughput through volatile routes. Meanwhile, heating oil futures (HO=F) jumped 8.9% in response to perceived tightening supply dynamics in Europe and Asia. The U.S. Department of Treasury emphasized that such seizures demonstrate ongoing commitment to enforcing sanctions, even as adversaries adapt. However, analysts warn that without coordinated international action, the dark fleet could undermine containment efforts and destabilize key energy corridors.