UN under criticism as ‘dark fleet’ circumvent global maritime rules

By Abbas Nazil

The CEO of Frontline, Lars Barstad, has issued a dire warning about the growing dangers posed by the ‘dark fleet,’ an unregulated collection of vessels circumventing maritime rules to transport oil from sanctioned nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.

Barstad accused the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) of being “asleep at the wheel” and failing to enforce critical safety and environmental regulations, raising fears of an impending disaster involving these vessels.

Barstad, whose company is the largest publicly listed oil tanker operator globally, highlighted the perilous practices of the dark fleet, which has swelled to about 20 percent of the world’s oil tanker fleet.

He warned that the fleet’s rapid expansion incentivizes operators to ignore international laws, prioritizing profits over safety.

Many of these vessels lack proper insurance, operate with false radar signals, and are registered under flags of convenience from nations with minimal regulatory oversight.

His concerns were underscored by a collision in July between the Hafnia Nile, a tanker operated by Singapore-based Hafnia, and the Ceres I, a dark fleet vessel carrying Iranian oil, in Malaysian waters.

The Ceres I, according to a U.S. Treasury sanctions notice, was broadcasting inaccurate location data at the time of the incident.

Such tactics are common among dark fleet operators seeking to obscure their movements, further complicating enforcement and accountability.

Barstad cautioned that a larger catastrophe is imminent, pointing out that a tanker like the Ceres I, loaded with two million barrels of crude oil, could potentially break apart in an accident.

He emphasized the environmental devastation that such an incident would unleash, compounded by the difficulty in identifying the vessel’s true owners or cargo handlers, as most dark fleet ships are linked to offshore companies with opaque ownership structures.

While the IMO passed a resolution in late 2023 urging member states to crack down on fraudulent ship registrations and strengthen port inspections, Barstad criticized the lack of tangible action.

He stated that many vessels in the dark fleet operate entirely outside the IMO’s regulatory framework, creating significant risks for the maritime industry and the environment.

Governments, particularly in Europe, also came under fire from Barstad for what he described as half-hearted enforcement of sanctions designed to curb trading in Russian oil.

He suggested that political leaders are reluctant to take firm action for fear of driving up energy prices.

Denmark, which controls access to the Baltic Sea, and countries along the English Channel were among those urged to detain and inspect tankers without proper insurance.

Barstad lamented the competitive disadvantages faced by companies like Frontline, which adhere to international regulations, compared to dark fleet operators who benefit from lower costs by flouting the rules.

He called on policymakers to take a tougher stance, emphasizing that meaningful enforcement would demonstrate a serious commitment to addressing the issue.

Despite unconfirmed reports of additional incidents involving dark fleet vessels, Barstad expressed surprise that more accidents had not occurred.

However, he reiterated that it is “only a question of time” before a major disaster unfolds, underscoring the urgent need for global action to prevent such an outcome.

In response, the IMO defended its efforts, pointing to its resolution and reiterating that member states bear the responsibility for ensuring that vessels under their flags comply with international standards.

However, critics like Barstad remain skeptical, warning that delays in enforcement could lead to dire consequences for the maritime industry and the environment