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Reçu aujourd’hui — 5 août 2025
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Panama just slammed the door on Russia’s shadow fleet — tankers over 15 years old now blacklisted
    Panama has banned oil tankers and bulk carriers over 15 years old from registering under its flag. This move will directly impact vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The Panamanian Maritime Authority (AMP) announced the decision on 1 August 2025 to reduce detentions and prevent non-compliant ships from what is called the “ghost fleet” from entering the registry. The so-called ghost fleet is better known as Russia’s shadow fleet. In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the G7
     
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✇Euromaidan Press

Panama just slammed the door on Russia’s shadow fleet — tankers over 15 years old now blacklisted

Par :Yuri Zoria
5 août 2025 à 07:10

panama just slammed door russia’s shadow fleet — tankers over 15 years old now blacklisted ns bora crude oil tanker sailing under flag gabon one vessels moscow's so-called vesselfindercom (imo

Panama has banned oil tankers and bulk carriers over 15 years old from registering under its flag. This move will directly impact vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The Panamanian Maritime Authority (AMP) announced the decision on 1 August 2025 to reduce detentions and prevent non-compliant ships from what is called the “ghost fleet” from entering the registry.

The so-called ghost fleet is better known as Russia’s shadow fleet. In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the G7 and EU imposed extensive sanctions targeting Russian exports. To evade oil restrictions, Moscow relies on a shadow fleet made up of older tankers that conduct covert transfers. 

Panama enforces age cap to block risky vessels

The Panamanian Ship Registry updated its regulations to exclude tankers and bulk carriers aged over 15 years. According to AMP, the move aims to improve operational standards and limit the risks associated with older vessels. The registry update is part of the revised MMN 11/2024 directive, which defines the Precheck process for flagging eligibility.

A key element of the Precheck involves evaluating risks tied to sanctions and vessel operations. The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine found that between 2023 and mid-2025, 71% of all ship detentions involved older oil tankers, bulk carriers, or general cargo ships.

Panama’s registry, holding the Guinness World Record for the largest number of registered vessels, is taking additional steps to ensure compliance.

Authorities will now require extra inspections every three months for vessels classified as deficient. These checks will be conducted by the Recognized Organization responsible for issuing statutory certificates. In addition, there will be further verification of the Ship’s Safety Management System (SMS Certificate), particularly if non-conformities are detected.

The AMP stated the changes are meant to reduce detentions and increase overall safety. While the announcement did not name Russia directly, it referred to the so-called “ghost fleet” — a term widely used for Russia’s shadow fleet of old tankers used to bypass sanctions and transport oil covertly.

 

 

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