IECL Lunchtime Seminar with Johan Schelin – Legal Aspects on the Russian Shadow Fleet
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The IECL Lunchtime Seminar Series offers our Academic Visitors an opportunity to share their research, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues on both substantive and methodological aspects of their work.
Each seminar usually lasts 30–45 minutes, with 20–30 minutes for the presentation followed by 10–15 minutes for Q&A. A light sandwich lunch will be provided.
Professor Johan Schelin
Legal Aspects on the Russian Shadow Fleet
Abstract: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is financed predominantly through the export of oil. In response to Western economic sanctions, a so-called “shadow fleet” of old tankers has emerged, through which Russia seeks to circumvent these restrictive measures. These vessels are typically registered in states that lack the institutional capacity and regulatory infrastructure necessary to discharge effective flag state responsibilities with respect to maritime safety. In many instances, the beneficial ownership of the vessels is concealed through complex corporate structures and networks of shell companies.
A number of the vessels are substandard and pose significant environmental risks. They are also, at times, employed as instruments of hybrid warfare, for example in the mapping and potential sabotage of marine infrastructure. The seminar addresses the legal dimensions of the shadow fleet phenomenon, with particular emphasis on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the question of jurisdiction over vessels.
