UK calls for tighter shadow fleet sanctions as US considers easing measures

16 October 2026

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey MP has called on other countries to tighten sanctions on Russia-linked shipping, per media reporting. Speaking ahead of the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings in Bangkok, Mr Healey called for a tighter ban on shipping services that support Russia’s shadow fleet.

Meanwhile, the US is considering easing sanctions on shadow fleet vessels, per media reporting. These vessels have carried oil and petroleum products from countries including Russia, Iran and Venezuela. Over 1,500 vessels are currently subject to US sanctions.

A US official told Reuters that the aim is to reduce record-high global freight rates. The proposal would allow previously sanctioned vessels to carry oil that the US has not sanctioned. Russian and Iranian oil would remain under sanctions. Companies would have to apply to the US Treasury Department to use the vessels.

The talks follow the US’s decision to issue a general licence authorising the supply of Russian diesel fuel until 7 April 2027.