October 9, 2025 | Endorsements
S.2904, the SHADOW Fleets Act
October 9, 2025 Endorsements
S.2904, the SHADOW Fleets Act
Bottom Line Up Front
The SHADOW FLEETS Act would impose mandatory sanctions on vessels, owners, insurers, and facilitators participating in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of illicit tankers used to skirt oil sanctions. The bill targets deceptive shipping practices, reflagged or uninsured vessels, and third-party entities helping Moscow continue energy exports in violation of U.S. and G7 caps.
Why It Matters
- Cuts off a critical revenue lifeline for Putin: Russia’s shadow fleet moves billions in oil every month, funding Russia’s war and aggression against NATO allies.
- Closes enforcement loopholes in existing sanctions: Current measures focus on buyers and exports, but not the transport and insurance layer where evasion actually occurs.
- Targets bad actors without disrupting global markets: The bill is structured to hit non-compliant vessels and handlers, not legitimate operators. This will keep energy stability while tightening pressure on Moscow.
- Strengthens U.S. and G7 credibility: If sanctions can be evaded with a new flag or shell insurer, deterrence collapses. This bill restores consequence and clarity.
FDD Expert Analysis
“FDD Action strongly supports the SHADOW FLEETS Act, which would impose sanctions on the vessels, owners, and insurers enabling Russia’s illegal “shadow fleet” of reflagged oil tankers, and pursue a range of other measures to target Russia’s pervasive sanctions evasion networks. These networks have allowed Moscow to quietly sell sanctioned crude, acquire military equipment and dual use components, and bankroll its war machine. Congress should move quickly to pass this important bipartisan legislation.”
Fast Facts
Bill Number: S.2904
Bill Name: Sanctioning Harbors and Dodgers of Western Sanctions, or the SHADOW Fleets Act
Summary: Imposes mandatory sanctions on vessels, owners, insurers, and facilitators participating in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of illicit tankers used to skirt oil sanctions.
Chamber: Senate
Sponsor(s): Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Date Introduced: 09/18/2025
Click here to read the legislative text and see a full list of cosponsors.