Russia's shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea includes more than 1,100 aging ships operating outside international regulatory systems.

Omissions

• The total figure of 1,100+ ships refers to the global Russian shadow fleet, not exclusively vessels operating in the Baltic Sea. Only a fraction of these ships transit the Baltic at any given time.
• The data consists of intelligence estimates rather than precise official counts, as the fleet by its nature operates outside standard regulatory reporting.
• The most cited estimate range (1,100–1,400) originates from Windward and Lloyd's List intelligence assessments covering the period through December 2023, meaning the figure is based on data approximately 2–3 years old relative to the session date.
• The speaker's statement about the fleet 'plowing the sea surface' implies constant Baltic Sea presence, but the 1,100+ figure describes the total global fleet engaged in sanction evasion worldwide.

Sources

• PrimaryWar & Sanctions (Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine)Shadow Fleet. Marine vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned oil. Total number: 1404.
• SecondaryHermes Kalamos (citing Windward/Lloyd's List intelligence)According to recent estimates, this fleet has grown from approximately 600 vessels in 2022 to between 1,100 and 1,400 in 2023, of which 435 are crude oil tankers.
• SecondaryEuromaidan PressUkraine identifies 1100+ tankers in Russia's shadow fleet; the fleet remains a key tool for the Kremlin to retain foreign currency inflows and finance its war against Ukraine.
• SecondaryEuropean Policy Centre (EPC)Estimates place the fleet at 600–1,400 vessels, many with falsified identities, minimal inspections and rapid 'flag-hopping' through permissive registries.