Ten percent of the global tanker fleet has gone dark and the number is growing. What is the Dark Fleet? Why does it exist and why is it growing? Who is using the fleet and who owns it? What are the risks for the market, the environment and traders? And what does a shadow fleet mean for world security and criminal enterprises?
Speaking to our host Paul Chapman on this episode is David Tannenbaum, Director at Blackstone Compliance Services, a sanctions and anti-money laundering advisory group, providing support to financial institutions and commodity trades alike and a Partner at Polestar Global, a sanctions and maritime intelligence firm where he runs the threat intelligence group.
Key Talent Takeaways
Importance of Specialised Compliance Talent
The growing complexity of sanctions compliance in maritime trade, especially concerning the "dark fleet," has increased the demand for compliance specialists. Key roles now require expertise in tracking, analysing spoofing behaviour, and understanding international maritime regulations to mitigate legal and reputational risks.
Need for Cross-disciplinary Expertise
The evolving risks in the commodities sector require talent that blends maritime intelligence, legal expertise, and cybersecurity skills. Organisations now seek individuals who can interpret satellite data, navigate sanctions laws, and identify deceptive practices, such as ship-to-ship (STS) transfers.
Strategic Role of Compliance Leaders
Senior compliance leaders must be proactive in designing robust compliance programmes to avoid costly post-incident investigations. Talent in this space must be adept at using cutting-edge maritime monitoring tools and interpreting complex data to pre-empt enforcement actions.
Growing Demand for Crisis Management Specialists
Organisations are seeking professionals skilled in crisis response and legal mitigation, given the existential risks posed by environmental disasters linked to sanctioned vessels. The ability to handle multi-jurisdictional legal claims and coordinate with international bodies is increasingly valuable.
Expanded Talent Requirements for Banks and Trade Finance
Trade finance departments now require enhanced due diligence capabilities. Banks increasingly hire talent capable of vessel and cargo origin assessments to prevent inadvertent financing of sanctioned goods, reflecting the expanded compliance requirements within financial institutions.
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