The floating dead: oversight lags behind the rise of zombie

A recent report from maritime analytics platform Kpler reveals that the phenomenon of “zombie vessels” has escalated into a significant enabler of sanctions evasion. These ships, operating under stolen identities of decommissioned vessels, pose serious risks to global maritime safety and regulatory frameworks. Experts warn that without urgent action, identity laundering could become entrenched in international trade.

The Rise of Zombie Vessels

Zombie vessels represent a sophisticated form of maritime deception, utilizing digital obfuscation and recycled identities to evade detection. According to Dimitris Kotsias, a market analyst at Kpler, these ships operate under the guise of vessels that have already been scrapped, allowing them to bypass international sanctions. This tactic has evolved into a systemic method for facilitating illicit trade, with increasingly advanced techniques now commonplace among these shadow fleets.

One notable example is the sanctioned Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Veronica III, which began broadcasting as DS Vector, a tanker that was dismantled in 2018. By manipulating its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals and conducting covert ship-to-ship (STS) transfers off the coast of Venezuela, Veronica III successfully concealed its true origins while loading high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO). This deceptive practice is not isolated; other vessels, such as the suezmax tanker Apus, have also assumed false identities to engage in similar activities.

The implications of these practices are dire. Zombie vessels often lack proper registration, insurance, and compliance with international safety regulations, increasing the risk of maritime accidents. Their outdated systems and obscured AIS transponders contribute to a heightened likelihood of collisions at sea. Moreover, the anonymity of these vessels raises concerns about accountability in the event of oil spills or other environmental disasters.

Challenges and Responses to Identity Laundering

The rise of zombie vessels complicates the enforcement of international sanctions. Grey fleet tankers frequently engage in unreported STS transfers in international waters, making it nearly impossible to track sanctioned oil flows. Kpler’s report indicates that deceptive activities, including AIS spoofing and identity laundering, have surged since 2022, coinciding with the expansion of Western sanctions.

In response, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken steps to prohibit the reuse of IMO numbers from scrapped ships and has increased scrutiny on identity changes. However, enforcement remains slow and reactive, struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of evasion tactics. Experts argue that a globally coordinated response, supported by advanced technology, is essential to combat this growing threat. Potential solutions include machine-learning systems for satellite image analysis, cross-border vessel tracking databases, and mandatory AIS integrity checks at ports.

1 dead, 1 crew member missing after tugboat sinks in Singapore waters; search ongoing

Despite these efforts, the grey fleet and the proliferation of zombie vessels continue to outstrip regulatory capabilities. Kotsias emphasizes the urgent need for synchronized global enforcement and advanced verification technologies to address the challenges posed by identity laundering. Without decisive action, the normalization of these deceptive practices could undermine both safety and trust in maritime operations.

Industry stakeholders, including global insurer Allianz and maritime data platform Windward, have also highlighted the challenges posed by zombie vessels, particularly in relation to Venezuelan oil trades. Windward’s recent whitepaper warns that the industry’s reliance on static identifiers like IMO numbers and vessel names is a structural weakness that allows for manipulation. They advocate for a shift towards dynamic intelligence and behavioral analysis to enhance compliance and safety in maritime operations.