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Shipping: Russia

Asked by Sir Julian LewisConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 30 June 2025UIN 62523

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her policy is on the (a) tracking, (b) interception and (c) onboard inspection of vessels suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet when in transit through UK waters.

Answered by Mike Kane

The UK Government consistently monitors UK waters to uphold the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security, which includes monitoring of tankers that are suspected of being associated with the movement of Russian oil.

As a signatory of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the UK Government adheres to international maritime law and protects the innocent passage of vessels transiting through UK waters.

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