Trickle of box ships brave mines to pick their way through Hormuz
A few days into peace talks being held in Switzerland between the US and Iran, ...
By Mr Joy
The global shadow fleet continues to increase despite more international sanctions.
A tumour on the global shipping system
The evolution of the so-called shadow fleet of vessels is the result of geopolitical events. To summarise: in the early 2010s, Western nations imposed punitive sanctions on Iran’s energy exports in response to that country’s refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment program. So, to keep its oil revenues flowing, Iran turned to the so-called shadow fleet, which in some circles is also known as ...
Comment on this article
Alexander Kozij
October 07, 2025 at 3:52 amThis is old tactic has always existed in shipping. Jardine historical shipping business, flew under many flags. In order to fulfill it’s trade commitments whilst also ‘complying’ with the rules of not competing with the British East India Company.