Explosion Rocks Tanker off Italy Coast: Putin Shadow Fleet Link

A Maltese-flagged oil tanker, the *Seajewel*, reportedly part of Russia‘s “shadow fleet,” experienced two explosions while docked in Savona, a port city in northwestern Italy, last week. It was reported that the vessel transported Russian oil from Russia to Europe. This is despite current international sanctions designed to reduce Russia’s revenues after its invasion of Ukraine 2022.

**The Significance of the “Shadow Fleet”**

Russia is using what has been described as “shadow fleets” to circumvent restrictions placed on oil exports. These vessels are older, and often have unclear ownership arrangements. They also may not be insured. The flag registrations of older vessels are often changed in order to conceal ownership further and avoid scrutiny. Around 17 percent of global oil tanker sales are accounted for by the “shadow fleet”. Recently, the United States Government imposed additional sanctions against an unprecedented number of oil tankers suspected to be involved in such practices. Marine insurance and P&I club issues become a major concern, especially when older assets are sanctioned for operating under substandard safety standards.

**Details of the Seajewel Incident**

According to Italian news reports, the explosions on the *Seajewel* occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning as the tanker was unloading its cargo. These explosions created a hole in the tanker’s hull. The responders managed to stop a spill of oil, which would have been a serious environmental disaster. According to the authorities, there’s no immediate danger that the vessel will sink. According to preliminary reports, the crew heard two loud blasts before discovering the deformed hull plates. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of these explosions. They have considered various options, such as a possible coordinated attack.

**A Pattern of Incidents: The Koala Explosion**

The *Seajewel* incident comes shortly after a similar event involving another tanker, the *Koala*. The *Koala*, flagged under Antigua and Barbuda and also reportedly connected to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” experienced an engine room explosion on February 9 while docked in Ust-Luga, a Russian port near St. Petersburg, the birthplace of Vladimir Putin. After the explosion, all crew members were evacuated. Rosmorrechflot, the Russian Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport, officially confirmed the incident aboard the *Koala*. The parallel incidents of both the *Koala* and *Seajewel* tankers raises scrutiny on safety guidelines and risk assessment within the “shadow fleet” context.

**Official Statements**

Marco Russo and Fabio Gillardi, mayors of Vado Ligure and Savona respectively, released a statement in which they indicated a close working relationship with the relevant authorities. The mayors of Savona and Vado Ligure issued a joint statement indicating close cooperation with relevant authorities.

**Next Steps**

The investigation into the explosions aboard the *Seajewel* is underway, seeking to determine the cause and potential implications of the incident. To prevent future incidents, maritime experts are closely monitoring developments.