RT journal article
T1 Shadow Fleets: A Growing Challenge in Global Maritime Commerce
A1 Rodríguez Díaz, Emilio
A1 Alcaide Jiménez, Juan Ignacio
A1 Endrina Sánchez, María de Las Nieves
A2 Ciencias y Técnicas de la Navegación y Construcciones Navales
K1 maritime transport
K1 maritime security
K1 maritime pollution
K1 ocean governance
K1 law of the sea
AB Shadow fleets, operating covertly in global maritime commerce, have emergedas a significant challenge to international regulatory frameworks and trade policies. Thispaper introduces a novel conceptual framework that distinguishes between ‘dark fleets’ and‘gray fleets’, offering a more nuanced understanding of these clandestine maritime activities.Through a comprehensive methodological approach integrating a literature review, casestudies, and data analysis, we examine the characteristics, operational strategies, and implications of shadow fleets. Our research reveals that shadow fleets have expanded rapidly,now accounting for approximately 10% of global seaborne oil transportation. We identifykey indicators of shadow fleet operations, including disabled Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitters, inconsistent vessel information, unusual behavior patterns, obscureownership structures, and the use of aging vessels. This paper highlights the economicdisruptions caused by shadow fleets, their role in circumventing international sanctions,and the significant environmental and safety risks they pose. The study underscores theregulatory challenges in addressing shadow fleets, particularly their exploitation of flagsof convenience and complex ownership structures. We propose a multifaceted approachto tackling these challenges, emphasizing the need for advanced technological solutions,enhanced international collaboration, and adaptive ocean governance frameworks. Thisresearch contributes to the evolving field of maritime security and policy, offering insightsfor policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers into developing strategies tomitigate the risks posed by shadow fleets in global maritime commerce.
PB MDPI
SN 2076-3417
YR 2025
FD 2025-06-07
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38746
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38746
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 07-nov-2026