China Closes Its Port To Shadow Fleet

• 29.09.2025, 13:17

Under pressure from U.S. sanctions.

China intends to restrict access of older tankers to one of its largest oil terminals. The measures will affect the port of Qingdao, which handles about a sixth of all oil coming into China, writes Bloomberg.

Since November 1, new rules will come into effect at the port. Vessels 31 years old or older, as well as tankers that have changed their registration data with the International Maritime Organization or have invalid certificates, will be banned.

In addition, all vessels entering the port in Shandong province will be evaluated according to a special point system. The age of the vessel and the existence of pollution liability insurance coverage will be taken into account. A tanker with a low score may be deprived of the right to moor.

According to experts, these measures are primarily aimed against the shadow fleet, which transports oil from Iran and other countries under international sanctions. Such vessels often operate old tankers and dubious identification schemes, which increases the risks of accidents and environmental disasters.