EU shipyards repair Russian tankers, exploiting sanctions loopholes and fueling Arctic energy exports, revealing policy divisions within the bloc.
A Critical Gap in EU Sanctions
Despite sanctions on Russia, European shipyards are servicing Russian tankers, enabling the transportation of Arctic energy resources. Notably, shipyards in France and Denmark have been repairing specialized Arc7 LNG tankers, critical for Russia’s energy logistics. These activities bypass Western sanctions and support Russia’s ability to exploit high winter gas prices.
Divisions Among EU Member States
While ten EU nations, including Poland and the Baltics, advocate banning repairs of Russian ships, consensus remains elusive. Denmark and France argue that individual restrictions are not feasible without collective EU action. This stalemate hinders efforts to disrupt Russia’s energy logistics.
Record Russian LNG Imports
In 2023, the EU imported a record 16.65 million tons of Russian LNG, underscoring reliance on Arctic shipments. The lack of sanctions on non-Russian-flagged vessels and technical maintenance exacerbates this dependency. Meanwhile, one sanctioned Russian tanker, blocked from EU shipyards, faced repair challenges in China.
This loophole undermines EU sanctions, keeping Russia’s energy exports resilient. Strengthened policies are vital to align actions with geopolitical goals.