Greenpeace: Russian tankers passing through the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria
The environmental organization Greenpeace has published a report revealing concerning data regarding shipping in the Black Sea. According to the study, at least 14 tankers, part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," have passed through the waters of Bulgaria and Romania within the last eight months.
The term "shadow fleet" is used to describe aging oil tankers that often lack clear ownership or adequate insurance. These vessels are used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine and to continue exporting oil to global markets.
Experts from Greenpeace express serious concerns regarding the safety of these vessels. Due to the lack of strict oversight and the poor technical condition of many of these tankers, there is a high risk of an environmental disaster in the Black Sea. A potential incident or oil spill would have catastrophic consequences for Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline.
At present, institutions in the region are monitoring the situation, but controlling these ships is difficult as they often turn off their tracking systems. The organization is calling for stricter measures and enhanced monitoring to ensure the security of maritime borders and to prevent potential environmental pollution.