Shadow fleet use of false maritime registries

Maritime intelligence data indicates a rising trend of vessels, often part of a ‘shadow fleet’, using false maritime registries to evade international sanctions. The number of ships identified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with fraudulent registrations has increased to 580, up from 470 at the end of 2025.

Operators are reportedly using two main tactics: impersonating non-existent registries from nations that do not maintain international ship registries, or posing as legitimate operators under false flags. Recent reports highlight the use of Syrian and Myanmar flags as new identities for vessels, including those linked to Russia. Other countries whose identities have been utilized for such purposes include Nicaragua, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana, Guinea, Madagascar, and the Netherlands Antilles.

Approximately 90 percent of tankers employing these fraudulent methods are currently under Western sanctions. The Iranian fleet is cited as a significant example, with data suggesting that 62 percent of its 430 tankers use false markings and 87 percent are subject to sanctions.