The Danish shipyard Fayard, located on the island of Fyn, has announced that it will not provide maintenance services to vessels from the Russian “shadow fleet”. This fleet is suspected of helping Russia bypass international sanctions and sustain its war economy. The decision comes amid increasing scrutiny from both Danish and international authorities.
The investigation and political context
The Danish Ministry of Defense launched an investigation to determine whether the Fayard shipyard in Odense Harbour had been servicing these vessels. In late January, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) called for an inquiry to clarify whether the shipyard’s work was indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts.
However, Fayard has strongly denied any involvement with the shadow fleet. Kristian Andersen, deputy director of Fayard, stated:
“We have an internal procedure where we regularly conduct checks. The ships in question, which transport natural gas, have nothing to do with sanctioned Russian oil tankers.”
This statement emphasizes Fayard’s strict adherence to international regulations and its commitment to avoiding business with vessels linked to Russia’s war economy.
What Is the Russian “Shadow Fleet”?
The term “shadow fleet” refers to a group of vessels that operate outside normal regulatory oversight. Many of these ships use tactics such as disabling tracking systems, changing ownership records frequently, and sailing under different flags to evade sanctions. Their primary role is to transport Russian oil, gas, and other essential resources, helping Russia maintain economic stability despite international restrictions.
Experts warn that the shadow fleet is a crucial tool for Russia, allowing it to continue funding its war efforts while avoiding the full impact of Western sanctions. By refusing to service these ships, Fayard is aligning itself with broader European efforts to enforce economic restrictions against Moscow.
