Executive Summary Open sources reveal that Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”  of oil tankers — originally built to evade Western sanctions — is being repurposed as a maritime hybrid warfare asset . Crucially, several tankers now carry private security personnel from Moran Security Group , many of whom are former Wagner Group operatives , embedding Russian influence and surveillance capabilities deep within ostensibly commercial vessels. caliber.az Shadow Fleet Overview Since

Premise: Monitoring and Tracking Systems In the current operational environment, monitoring the Russian shadow fleet is a strategic priority for international maritime security. There's an intensifying reliance on specialized databases such as " sketchy.boats ,"  a dedicated platform that allows for the verification and inclusion of potentially suspicious vessels identified as part of the shadow fleet. This tool is a critical asset for naval intelligence , enabling the crowds

Heightened Tensions in the Baltic Sea In recent days, Russia’s Baltic Fleet has launched large-scale exercises  involving over 20 warships and 3,000 personnel , marking a significant escalation in regional naval activity. More critically, Russian naval forces have begun actively escorting shadow fleet oil tankers , a move that signals a strategic shift in Moscow’s maritime posture—placing increased emphasis on the protection of commercial and strategic economic interests. T