The growing operational risks associated with Russia’s shadow fleet—aging tankers operating under opaque ownership and insurance structures

An Oman-flagged crude oil tanker, QENDIL, ran aground off Bozcaada in Çanakkale province on 4 January 2026 while sailing from Aliağa to Yalova, according to statements by the Çanakkale Governorate.  

The Governorate said the vessel was empty and the grounding was linked to adverse weather conditions, with local reporting specifying a lodos storm near Polente. It added that inspections found the tanker was not taking on water, the 26 crew members on board were in good health, and no marine pollution had occurred, citing the vessel’s empty status. The tanker has a reported length of 249 meters and a gross tonnage of 61,991 GT. 

A part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet

The tanker QENDIL, identified as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, has run aground off Bozcaada Island in the Turkish Aegean Sea, according to monitoring outlet Istrebin. The vessel was reportedly attacked in the Mediterranean Sea on December 19. Following the incident, QENDIL remained adrift for nearly two weeks before deliberately grounding itself along the Turkish shoreline.

Operational risks associated with Russia’s shadow fleet

This episode highlights the growing operational risks associated with Russia’s shadow fleet—aging tankers operating under opaque ownership and insurance structures, often outside standard maritime safety norms. Such vessels pose elevated environmental and navigational hazards, particularly in congested sea lanes like the eastern Mediterranean. At this stage, there is no confirmed information on fuel leakage or environmental damage. Maritime authorities are expected to assess the situation and determine next steps regarding containment, inspection, and potential removal of the vessel.

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Strong southerly wind

It is noteworthy that the vessel is sailing empty , reportedly dragged anchor amid strong southerly winds and grounded on rocks near Polente Lighthouse, approximately 100 meters offshore. The crews are monitoring the vessel’s hull while preparing for salvage operations. The vessel’s master notified Çanakkale Strait Vessel Traffic Services following the incident, according to Turkish reporting.

 The Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM)

Meanwhile Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) dispatched the tugboats KURTARMA-10 and KURTARMA-16 to assist, and the Governorate said salvage and rescue operations were continuing in coordination with relevant units.  

The Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) is a Turkish state authority operating under national maritime administration structures, responsible for vessel traffic services, emergency response, tug assistance, salvage, and the protection of navigation safety in Turkish waters, including straits, ports, and coastal zones.

About  QENDIL

According to vessel Finder The current position of QENDIL is at Aegean Sea reported 12 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to FOR ORDERS, and expected to arrive there on Jan 1, 05:00. The vessel QENDIL (IMO 9310525, MMSI 461000286) is a Crude Oil Tanker built in 2006 (20 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Oman.

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Source : Agencies 

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