Gaps in sanctions prevent blocking Latvian companies servicing the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation 0 7

Journalists have discovered that the tanker "Zircone," flying the flag of Cyprus but based in Latvia, is engaged in bunkering ships, most of whose clients are part of the shadow fleet of Russia. Last week, "Zircone" docked at the Port of Riga, presumably to load fuel. The vessel moored at the oil terminal of OOO "Ovi," which is involved in the wholesale trade of petroleum products. Company representatives refused to provide information about clients and cargoes for the transfer.

According to public shipping data, during the short visit of "Zircone" to Riga, an inspection was conducted, revealing eight safety defects. According to "Nothing Personal," the vessel was inspected by representatives of the Customs Service of the State Revenue Service (SRS). They did not find serious violations, and the tanker went back to sea.

Sandra Karkliņa-Admin, Deputy Director of the Customs Department of the SRS, explained that classic bunkering is only permitted within the port area. This means that customs authorities control all operations declared under official procedures. However, if vessels transfer petroleum products in neutral waters, this falls outside the jurisdiction of Latvia: "From our side, the export is processed, and the cargo has been removed from the country," said Karkliņa-Admin. Responsible institutions acknowledge that the situation appears problematic, but there are currently no legal tools to stop servicing suspicious vessels. Bunkering such vessels is formally not prohibited.

Journalists noted that "Zircone" and another vessel, "Rina," are exercising caution: they cease servicing ships included in the EU or US sanctions lists. Nevertheless, it is impossible to hold these companies accountable for other restrictions, as an exception has been established for bunkering operations. Last month, information emerged that the new package of European Union sanctions was planned to extend restrictions not only to vessels of the shadow fleet but also to their bunkering providers. However, the corresponding bans have not yet been introduced.

Foreign Minister Baiba Braže confirmed in an interview with the program "Nothing Personal" that there is no consensus in Europe regarding the ban or restriction of bunkering.