This article by SeaEmploy explains what the grey fleet is, how it functions, and how it affects employment in the maritime industry.
Grey Tanker Fleet – The Rise of Sanctions-Busting Vessels
The term grey tanker fleet refers to oil tankers that operate in legally ambiguous zones. These vessels are typically owned through shell companies and sail under flags of convenience. Many of them have been used to move sanctioned oil from Iran, Venezuela, and most recently, Russia.
Since 2022, over 700 additional tankers have been added to this fleet. The total is now estimated at over 1,100 vessels, which accounts for a significant portion of the world’s crude-carrying capacity.
These vessels often disable AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders. This tactic allows routes to be concealed and ship-to-ship transfers to be performed without detection. Such activity increases the risk of environmental disasters and complicates maritime oversight.
Tanker Vessels, Routings, and Military Encounters
Most ships in the grey fleet are Aframax and Suezmax tankers. These are medium to large-size vessels ideal for STS transfers. Many were built in the early 2000s and are operated without regular classification society inspections.
Common flags used include Panama, Liberia, Gabon, and Mongolia—chosen for their lack of stringent maritime regulations.
The most active routes involve:
- The Gulf of Oman (Iranian oil)
- The Mediterranean near Malta
- West Africa and Cape Verde (Russian crude transfer points)
- The South China Sea
- Black Sea
Numerous ship-to-ship transfers have been recorded in these areas, often at night and far from regulated ports. This activity is seen as essential to circumventing embargoes.
Military vessels have occasionally approached or monitored grey fleet operations. For example, NATO and U.S. Navy units have shadowed suspected Russian tankers off the Baltic Sea. These encounters, while mostly non-confrontational, have raised strategic concerns.
Some vessels have also been investigated for possible connections to sabotage incidents, including the Nord Stream pipeline explosion, although no direct evidence has been made public.
Crew Impact – Employment, Hazards, and Blacklisting
The impact on seafarers is serious. Many shipping companies operating in this sector offer higher wages, but crew members face significant risks.
Several crewing agencies in Dubai, Istanbul, and India have been actively hiring for these ships. Among the most notable operators is Gatik Ship Management, which rapidly built a large fleet of grey tankers moving Russian oil post-2022.
However, seafarers may be exposed to:
- Insurance gaps (crew not covered in case of incidents)
- Legal prosecution under U.S., EU, or UN sanctions
- Poor vessel condition and higher accident risk
- Mental stress due to AIS-off operations and close-call inspections
Many of these tankers lack up-to-date safety certifications. In some cases, detainments have been recorded during port calls due to missing documentation or expired safety equipment.
The IMO and ITF have issued warnings about crewing risks on such vessels. Yet, the job market pressure in some regions means many mariners still sign on, knowingly or not.
Closing Thoughts
The grey tanker fleet is not going away anytime soon. It has been fueled by geopolitical fractures and global demand for oil—sanctioned or not.
Tankers continue to operate under secretive conditions, using outdated vessels, false documents, and night time transfers to move millions of barrels of oil weekly. While governments try to track them, crews onboard face very real risks.
SeaEmploy urges seafarers to remain informed. If considering work on tankers, especially those involved in STS operations in high-risk regions, always verify:
- Flag and ownership
- Insurance and classification
- Port state control history
Knowing your rights—and the ship’s history—could protect your life and career.
