German, French MPs seek tougher action against Russia's shadow fleet

German and French lawmakers are set to call for tougher action against Russia's so-called shadow fleet, including stricter inspections and the detention of vessels found to be violating international rules, according to a draft document seen by dpa.

The proposal is due to be adopted on Monday by the Franco-German Parliamentary Assembly.

The initiative, backed by lawmakers from Germany's conservative bloc, the centre-left Social Democrats and the opposition Greens, also calls for increased diplomatic pressure on countries whose flags are used by vessels linked to the fleet.

Russia uses the shadow fleet to circumvent sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine, particularly restrictions on oil exports.

According to the document, the shadow fleet represents not only a geopolitical challenge but also a significant security and environmental risk. Many of the vessels are old, poorly maintained and fail to meet international standards, it added.

The document also said some ships had been used for sabotage or espionage purposes.

Jürgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesman for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives, said the Russian shadow fleet threatened both the effectiveness of sanctions and the security of Europe and its critical infrastructure, and called for a joint response.

Anton Hofreiter, chair of the Bundestag's European Affairs Committee, said the fleet helped generate revenue for Moscow to finance its war against Ukraine and posed a security risk.