Environmental organization warns about Russian tankers in the Black Sea
The international environmental organization Greenpeace has published a report that has caused serious concern in the region. According to the data, at least 14 ships, part of the so-called "Russian shadow fleet," passed through Bulgarian and Romanian territorial waters between January 1 and August 1, 2026.
The term "shadow fleet" refers to old tankers that often lack clear insurance or official registration. They are used to transport Russian oil, bypassing international sanctions. Experts fear that these ships do not meet modern safety standards.
The main risk posed by these vessels is related to the possibility of an environmental disaster. In the event of an accident or spill in the Black Sea, cleanup would be extremely difficult and expensive, and the consequences for the Bulgarian coastline and tourism could be devastating.
At the moment, institutions in Bulgaria are monitoring the situation, but the presence of these tankers remains a challenge for maritime security. The organization is calling for stricter control and increased monitoring of traffic in the Black Sea to prevent potential incidents in the future.