Zimbabwe Warns IMO Over Sanctioned Tanker Using Fake Flag Registration

Range Vale crude oil tanker

Zimbabwe has raised serious concerns over the alleged misuse of its national flag by a sanctioned crude oil tanker accused of operating within the so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels often used to transport restricted oil cargoes outside international regulatory frameworks.

In a formal communication to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Government of Zimbabwe distanced itself from the 111,800-deadweight-tonne crude tanker Range Vale (formerly Turbo Voyager, built in 2005). Authorities said the vessel had been sailing under documents purportedly issued by an entity calling itself the “Registrar of Ships, Zimbabwe Maritime Authority,” a body the government insists does not exist.

Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in southern Africa, does not maintain an active maritime registry for ocean-going vessels. In its letter to the IMO, Harare “categorically disassociated” itself from the alleged registrar and any registration certificates issued in its name. Officials warned that fraudulent flag documentation poses significant legal, financial, and reputational risks to states whose identities are exploited.

Shadow Fleet Scrutiny Intensifies

The case comes amid heightened global scrutiny of shadow fleet operations, ageing tankers that often change names, ownership structures, and flags to evade sanctions and regulatory oversight. These vessels are commonly linked to the transport of sanctioned crude oil from countries facing international trade restrictions.

In recent years, maritime authorities and international watchdogs have flagged concerns over falsified registries, opaque beneficial ownership, and deceptive shipping practices, including ship-to-ship transfers conducted in international waters.

Zimbabwe’s protest follows a similar alarm raised by Madagascar, which also reported the suspected misuse of its flag by sanctioned vessels. Several smaller or developing nations have increasingly found their national identities exploited in phantom registry schemes designed to lend legitimacy to tankers seeking to bypass sanctions.

Risks of Fraudulent Flagging

Under international maritime law, vessels must sail under the flag of a recognised state, which assumes responsibility for regulatory oversight, safety compliance, and environmental standards. Fraudulent flagging undermines this system and creates enforcement gaps that can facilitate sanctions evasion, tax avoidance, and unsafe operating practices.

The IMO has repeatedly warned member states about fraudulent ship registries and the misuse of national documentation. Such schemes can damage a country’s international standing and potentially expose it to legal disputes or diplomatic complications.

Broader Implications

The alleged misuse of Zimbabwe’s identity highlights broader weaknesses in global shipping oversight, particularly as sanctions enforcement tightens and illicit maritime networks adapt. Older crude tankers, often over 15 years old, are frequently associated with shadow fleet activity due to lower acquisition costs and reduced scrutiny in secondary markets.

For Zimbabwe, the immediate priority is reputational protection and formal clarification within the global maritime community. By notifying the IMO, authorities aim to prevent further misuse of the country’s name and ensure that any fraudulent registrations are invalidated.

As international regulators step up monitoring of shadow fleet vessels, the case underscores the growing complexity of sanctions enforcement in global oil markets and the need for stronger verification mechanisms within maritime registries worldwide.

Zimbabwe-sanctioned tanker fake flag registration; IMO