New Sanctions Force Russian Ships to Find Unusual Flags

Russian oil tankers are under pressure as U.S. and U.K. sanctions force them to abandon their current flags and look for new ones.

Barbados, one of the most reputable ship registries globally, has delisted 46 Russian vessels, with 14 also sanctioned by the U.S.

Panama has followed suit, removing 68 Russian vessels from its registry after aligning its rules with Western sanctions.

Sanctions aim to block Russia's ability to generate revenue that fuels its war machine, marking one of the most significant moves to date.

With reputable registries stepping away, Russian vessels are turning to lesser-known countries like Tanzania, Principe, and Sao Tome for re-registration.

The shift to less prominent flags raises questions about maritime safety standards and how Russia will maintain its oil shipping operations.

As sanctions tighten, Russian oil tankers face mounting challenges, reshaping global maritime dynamics in unprecedented ways.