A small Pacific nation, the Cook Islands, has recently found itself at the center of an international spotlight due to its association with a fleet of Russian “shadow tankers.” This attention intensified after the incident involving the vessel Eagle S, which reportedly dragged its anchor across undersea cables in the Gulf of Finland in 2024, severing crucial power and internet links between Finland and Estonia. The Eagle S was registered in the Cook Islands, marking a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of vessels associated with deceptive shipping practices.
As Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russian oil following the country’s actions in Ukraine, the Cook Islands and other Pacific nations have seen a surge in ship registrations, many of which belong to this shadow fleet. These vessels often operate under what are known as “flags of convenience,” allowing them to evade rigorous regulatory oversight. Still, recent developments indicate a shift as these nations begin to de-flag vessels that have been sanctioned by Western authorities.
Experts suggest that the rapid growth of these shipping registries, particularly in the Cook Islands and Palau, has not come without consequences. The Pacific nations are now realizing that maintaining these associations may undermine their credibility and relationships on the international stage. “Small states now appreciate that association with sanctions evasion networks threatens their credibility, external relationships, and participation in the Western-led maritime order,” noted Basil Germond, a professor of international security at Lancaster University.
From Growth to Regulation
You’ll see over 1,900 shadow vessels globally, accounting for approximately 10% of all tankers, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward. These vessels have been instrumental in facilitating the transport of sanctioned oil, enabling Russia to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. The surge in registrations began after Western nations implemented a price cap on Russian oil, leading to the emergence of a robust shadow fleet.
In response to increasing scrutiny, the Cook Islands government has taken steps to tighten its regulations surrounding ship registrations. John Hosking, secretary of the Cook Islands’ Ministry of Transport, stated that the country has deregistered nearly 190 out of 214 tankers registered since 2022, with 53 removed specifically due to sanctions. “Any vessel identified as being subject to international sanctions is promptly deleted from the register within seven days of being named,” Hosking confirmed.
The Eagle S Incident
The Eagle S incident served as a pivotal moment that brought global attention to the Cook Islands’ shipping practices. Following the vessel’s actions that severed undersea cables, Finnish authorities detained the ship and questioned its crew. However, a Helsinki court determined that it lacked jurisdiction over the incident, ruling that the Cook Islands was responsible as the vessel’s flag state. The court too confirmed that the Eagle S was transporting oil compliant with Western-imposed price caps, further complicating the narrative surrounding the ship’s operations.
As the Cook Islands moves forward, it has implemented a ban on vessels carrying oil from Russia, Iran, or Venezuela, alongside prohibitions against operating in the Baltic Sea. The government’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to maintaining its international standing and regulatory integrity.
Wider Implications for Pacific Nations
Other Pacific nations are also responding to the pressures of international scrutiny. Palau has recently ended its arrangement with its private shipping registry operator, having already removed shadow fleet vessels. William H. Moses, director of Palau’s Bureau of Marine Transportation, emphasized the government’s intention to enhance oversight of its registry and monitor for prohibited activities.
Vanuatu has also updated its sanctions policy to align with broader international standards, reflecting a growing trend among Pacific nations to tighten regulations on maritime activities. These developments signal a collective move toward greater accountability and transparency in shipping practices, which may reshape the landscape of maritime operations in the Pacific.
What Lies Ahead
The future of the Pacific Islands’ shipping registries is uncertain, as vessels continue to seek out flags of convenience in jurisdictions with limited regulatory frameworks. Experts warn that while some countries are tightening their regulations, others may remain permissive, potentially allowing shadow vessels to continue their operations. “These jurisdictions may be in the Pacific Ocean, but very often they’re in sub-Saharan Africa,” noted Benjamin Hilgenstock, indicating a possible shift in the registration patterns of shadow vessels.
As international pressure mounts, Pacific nations will need to remain vigilant and proactive in their maritime governance. The ongoing effort to de-flag sanctioned vessels is a crucial step in safeguarding their reputations and ensuring compliance with international maritime law. The actions taken today will define the future of these nations within the global maritime order.
As this situation evolves, it will be essential for these nations to engage with their international partners to ensure robust compliance and avoid the pitfalls of association with shadow fleets. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and insights on this pressing issue.