Russian 'shadow fleet' tankers detected in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria
Between January 1 and August 1, 2026, at least 14 tankers linked to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" passed through the waters of Bulgaria and Romania. The information was released by the international environmental organization Greenpeace, which monitors vessel movements in the Black Sea.
The term "shadow fleet" refers to a group of aging tankers that often lack clear insurance or ownership. They are used to transport Russian oil, bypassing international sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. Due to a lack of proper maintenance and insurance coverage, these ships pose a serious risk to the marine ecosystem.
According to the Greenpeace report, the tankers spent a significant amount of time in Black Sea waters, which is causing concern among environmentalists and local authorities. The risk of a potential accident or oil spill near the Bulgarian coast would have severe consequences for nature and tourism in the region.
At present, institutions in Bulgaria have not provided an official comment regarding the specific measures that will be taken to increase control over maritime traffic. The situation remains under observation by international organizations, which are calling for stricter shipping safety rules in the Black Sea.