Oil sanctions have made Russia's shadow fleet swell

Restrictions have made it costlier for Russia to ship oil by sea. But they have also expanded the illicit shipping economy, with lasting consequences. From early in Russia’s war with Ukraine, the West hit Russia with economic penalties aimed at strangling its profits from oil sales. As Europe announces its 19th round of sanctions, an uncomfortable reality has sunk in.

- JEANNA SMIALEK

Russia quickly found a workaround to profit from oil in spite of a price cap and import restrictions. By building up a huge fleet of dilapidated ships with hazy ownership that covertly shuttle its fuel to far-flung markets, it has managed to evade the sanctions and make money.

Now, itis becoming increasingly clear that the vast expansion of this shadow fleet comes with serious and potentially long-lasting effects. The rickety ships pose dire risks to the environment, and the trend has created a huge illicit shipping economy that some experts worry could outlast the war. That could pave the way for nations to continue skirting the existing order, with nations including Russia and Iran as shippers, and China and India as customers. “A lot of people want to do the easy part —