BLUE

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False flagged shadow tanker, en route from Ust-Luga, switched off AIS off Ireland

The 'Blue', in laden condition abd with a false flag, switched off its AIS signal before entering the Irish EEZ. It loaded crude oil at Ust-Luga and departed on July 31, 2025. The tanker is being sanctioned by both the UK and EU, as well as cited by Greenpeace as a danger to the marine environment. The 'Blue' is falsely showing registry in Benin. Since 2020, the vessel has had four different identities and claimed registry under six different flags: Benin, Antigua and Barbuda, Liberia, Palau, Djibouti, and Cyprus. Since 2024, management has been reported from Turkey. The ship drew particular attention because of its apparent false flag. The Irish Coast Guard has instituted specific measures used to monitor the increasing number of shadow fleet tankers transiting the Irish EEZ. This includes deploying the Air Corps and Naval Service. However, unlike the UK and the Baltic nations, Ireland is not specifically challenging vessels to confirm their identity and insurance information. The 'Blue' resumed transmitting an AIS signal on Aug 8. It showe the vessel is heading for the Suez Canal, traveling at a speed of 10 knots. The vessel is likely bound for India, which continues to buy Russian oil.