Dutch Propose Law to Crack Down on Russian Shadow Fleet

Markets Contact us:Provide news feedback or report an error Confidential tip?Send a tip to our reporters Site feedback:Take our Survey By Patrick Van Oosterom October 9, 2026 at 4:41 PM UTC The Dutch government proposed a legal change to crack down more effectively on Russia’s shadow fleet, prompting the Russian embassy to threaten its own retaliation. The Netherlands said the adjustments would allow it to more easily intercept such vessels, which are used to circumvent international sanctions and often sail without a flag. If the bill is passed, shadow fleet ships “sailing under a false flag in the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone can be detained and required to proceed to an anchorage or port for further inspection,” according to a government press release Friday.