An independent investigation by InFact has revealed that Russian tankers, resorting to roundabout routes, systematically use the Georgian ports of Batumi and Poti to transport oil. This sanctions-evasion scheme utilizes vessels with opaque ownership structures and problematic insurance, allowing Russia to undermine the international price cap mechanism.
Despite Georgian authorities' denials, experts believe Georgian ports are a convenient conduit for the shipment of Russian goods subject to sanctions. Furthermore, the regular use of these "shadow fleet" vessels creates the threat of secondary sanctions against Georgia from Western countries, as well as increased monitoring by the US and the EU.
The investigation shows that inadequate oversight in Georgian territorial waters makes the country an important element in Russia's supply chain in the Black Sea region.
