The Shadow Fleet Fueling Russia’s War | Bloomberg Investigates

Bloomberg Originals

Bloomberg Originals

24 min, 2 sec

The video discusses how the energy landscape has changed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the emergence of a 'shadow fleet', and the evasion of sanctions.

Summary

  • Russia's invasion of Ukraine has upended the global energy market, leading to the rise of a 'shadow fleet'.
  • Sanctions aimed at Russia are being circumvented by a network of new ship owners and shipping companies.
  • The price cap mechanism, intended to limit Russian revenues while allowing oil flow, is being breached, causing a shadow economy.
  • China and India have become significant importers of Russian oil, creating an alternative supply chain.
  • The shadow fleet raises concerns about oil spill risks and ineffective sanctions enforcement.

Chapter 1

The Impact of Russia's Invasion on the Energy Sector

0:04 - 1 min, 0 sec

Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to the creation of a 'shadow fleet' and shifts in global oil suppliers.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to the creation of a 'shadow fleet' and shifts in global oil suppliers.

  • The invasion causes a major shift in the energy sector, with Russia becoming a significant supplier.
  • New shipping companies emerge, creating a shadow economy in the energy trade.
  • Billionaires are being made from the trade of Russian oil amidst the conflict.

Chapter 2

Sanctions and the Price Cap Mechanism

2:04 - 1 min, 52 sec

Sanctions against Russia lead to the implementation of a price cap on its oil exports.

Sanctions against Russia lead to the implementation of a price cap on its oil exports.

  • Europe and other regions intend to stop buying Russian oil and gas due to the invasion.
  • The price cap is introduced to limit Russian revenue while keeping oil prices stable.
  • The effectiveness of the price cap is questioned as Russia's exports and revenues increase.

Chapter 3

The Shadow Fleet's Role in Circumventing Sanctions

5:06 - 2 min, 41 sec

The shadow fleet plays a key role in bypassing sanctions and facilitating the sale of Russian oil.

The shadow fleet plays a key role in bypassing sanctions and facilitating the sale of Russian oil.

  • Russian oil continues to be sold through the shadow fleet, involving unknown parties and questionable operations.
  • The shadow fleet includes hundreds of ships, often old and in poor condition, posing environmental risks.

Chapter 4

Dubai's Emergence as a Trading Hub

10:15 - 1 min, 58 sec

Dubai becomes a central location for new trading entities and brokers involved in the shadow oil trade.

Dubai becomes a central location for new trading entities and brokers involved in the shadow oil trade.

  • Dubai witnesses an influx of new traders and brokers, many with links to Russian oil.
  • The city's wealth and business-friendly environment attract those looking to profit from the trade.

Chapter 5

Oil Trade Dynamics Post-Sanctions

12:59 - 2 min, 28 sec

Despite sanctions, Russian oil trade continues with new brokers and buyers, particularly in China and India.

Despite sanctions, Russian oil trade continues with new brokers and buyers, particularly in China and India.

  • China and India significantly increase their intake of Russian oil, establishing an alternate supply chain.
  • Russian oil is processed and potentially re-exported, undermining the effectiveness of sanctions.

Chapter 6

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

16:01 - 5 min, 2 sec

The shadow fleet's operations raise significant concerns about environmental risks and regulatory enforcement.

The shadow fleet's operations raise significant concerns about environmental risks and regulatory enforcement.

  • The shadow fleet poses environmental dangers due to the poor condition of the tankers.
  • The lack of regulatory enforcement and ineffective sanctions allow the shadow trade to flourish.

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