New data and investigations show Russian oil being shipped via placeholder destinations and vessels sailing under false flags, affecting both Singapore and Finland.
According to Reuters, tankers carrying around 1.4 million metric tons of Russian crude oil listed Singapore as their destination in January. It marks the highest monthly volume in recent years.
Singapore does not import Russian oil due to sanctions risks. Traders say the country is often used as a placeholder in shipping documents. Cargo is instead transferred ship-to-ship near Malaysia or stored offshore before being delivered elsewhere.
The shift comes as India is expected to reduce Russian oil purchases following a new trade agreement with the United States. China remains a key buyer, but state oil companies are reported to be cautious because of sanctions exposure.
175 vessels under false flag in the Baltic Sea
In Finland, a separate development has raised concerns.
An investigation by the Finnish broadcaster Yle has identified at least 175 Russian oil tankers sailing under false flag states. Most of the vessels have passed through the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland.
Authorities say several of the ships are uninsured. In international waters, responsibility lies with the vessel’s flag state. If registration details are incorrect, oversight becomes unclear.
Finnish officials warn that the use of such vessels increases environmental risks and complicates accountability in case of accidents.
