Page 17: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2025)

unsafe oil tankers, efforts to contain the shadow ? eet have so my: 99% of the world’s data is transmitted through a global far fallen short, although in March 2025 it was reported that the network of 450 sub-sea cable systems which extend over a

US administration was considering a plan to stop and inspect distance of 1.5mn kilometers. An estimated US$10trn in ? -

Iranian oil tankers at sea under an international accord aimed at nancial transactions rely on sub-sea cable networks each day, countering the spread of weapons of mass destruction. according to NATO and the International Cable Protection

In April 2025, the EU said that it had adopted new rules Committee (ICPC). requiring vessels passing through its waters to provide insur- Damage to sub-sea cables is not uncommon: There are around ance details, adding this would improve its ability to monitor 150-200 cases of faults or damage reported annually according “and if necessary investigate” vessels suspected of not having to the ICPC. Most of these incidents are accidental, with ap- proper coverage. The rules apply to vessels over 300GT but proximately 70-80% attributed to commercial ? shing activities there are exemptions. It followed this up by announcing a new and ship anchors, while the rest are mostly the result of equip- raft of sanctions against Russia-linked shadow ? eet vessels ment failure or natural hazards, such as storms and landslides.

and propaganda outlets or vessels and entities involved in the A number of vessels have come under suspicion or have sabotage of underwater cables, airports, or servers. been detained for damaging cables, while others have been

These vessels pose a serious risk to shipping and the en- involved in transporting sanctioned cargoes of oil. With grow- vironment, as shown by recent collisions and groundings ing concern about shadow ? eet vessels and espionage, we see involving shadow ? eet vessels in Europe and Asia. Tougher merchant vessels potentially being used to carry out deliberate sanction measures have been introduced, but it remains to be acts of damage and disruption to sub-sea cables. seen if they will control the issue going forward. It is becoming harder, not just for the authorities to address

From a marine insurance standpoint, insurers continue to these problems, but also for unsuspecting shipowners caught invest in tools and resources to ensure compliance with sanc- up in such acts. Meanwhile, the recruitment process for sea- tions requirements. Dark ? eet vessels on sanction lists are farers of speci? c nationalities could undergo an overhaul cre- easily identi? ed during due diligence, yet so-called grey ? eet ating further pressure on the existing seafarer shortage. If we vessels are more concerning. These vessels have legal owner- come to a place where vessels are suspected of espionage or ship and are registered with ? ag states, and there may not be acting in the interests of states, it would have an impact on clear signals that they are conducting illegal trade. That is the international shipping, which relies on trust and the principle part of the shadow ? eet that needs careful attention to avoid of the free movement of trade.

issues with sanctions. Insurers have processes in place, but it

The Author requires signi? cant effort in terms of work and investment in

Khanna tools and people to stay ahead.

Captain Rahul Khanna is Global Head of Marine

Risk Consulting at global insurer Allianz Com-

Spy-Ships, Dark Fleets Impact Merchant Vessels mercial. A marine professional with 27 years of experience, Captain Khanna served more than

Recent incidents involving vessels suspected of damaging 14 years on board merchant ships in all ranks.

critical undersea cables have heightened scrutiny on maritime activities. Damage is often accidental, mainly due to ? shing and anchors. However, deliberate acts are suspected in re- To read Allianz Commercial’s gions such as the Baltic Sea, Red Sea and South China Sea, 2025 Safety & Shipping Review although attribution is challenging. scan the QR code:

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