Unveiling the Secret World of Illicit Oil Tankers: A Rooftop Watchdog's Story
In a world where some unwind with Netflix, Remy Osman, a British expat in Singapore, chooses a different path. He dedicates his free time to tracking the movements of rusty tankers carrying illicit oil through a bustling maritime lane. From his apartment rooftop, Osman, a food and beverage salesman by day, has become an online sensation, documenting the secretive journeys of these 'shadow vessels' for a growing audience.
The Rise of the Shadow Fleets
Shadow fleets, or 'ghost fleets' as they are sometimes called, are a shadowy network of ships employed by pariah states like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to transport oil. These fleets, often consisting of aging tankers with obscure ownership, have become a critical funding source for Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. The US and other Western nations have taken notice, imposing sanctions and cracking down on these illicit operations.
A Front-Row Seat in Singapore
The Singapore Strait, a vital shipping route connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, is where this underground industry comes into the public eye. With over 100,000 ships passing through annually, carrying roughly a third of the world's traded goods, the strait is a strategic hub for shadow fleets transiting between Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, and China, a major importer of sanctioned oil.
Osman's vantage point is unparalleled. "Singapore is probably the best place on earth to see these shadow ships," he says. The narrowness of the strait and its proximity to Singapore's dense urban area make it nearly impossible for ships to transit safely without revealing their location. Osman can easily capture photos and videos of these vessels with his iPhone.
The Global Shadow Fleet's Expansion
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions on Russian oil, the global shadow fleet has expanded significantly. Kpler, a data and analytics firm, estimates that the global shadow fleet comprised about 3,300 vessels in December 2025, representing 6-7% of global crude flows. These fleets employ various tactics to evade detection, including fragmented ownership, frequent flag changes, manipulating location data, and shifting cargo at sea in areas with minimal oversight.
According to Kpler, more than $100 billion worth of crude oil was moved through shadow and sanctioned fleets in 2025 alone.
Osman's Niche Hobby
Osman's unique hobby began during the Covid-19 pandemic when he was quarantined for two weeks after moving to Singapore. He started spotting ships from his hotel balcony and sharing their passages online. It was about a year ago that he shifted his focus to shadow vessels, noticing his audience's curiosity about these clandestine fleets. His online presence has exploded in recent months as shadow fleets have dominated the news cycle, with one of his Instagram videos from last August racking up over 2 million views.
Identifying Illicit Oil Transporters
Osman shares some telltale signs that a ship might be transporting illicit oil. He consults ship tracking apps and looks for older ships (20-25 years old) operating under flags of nations with lax oversight, such as Guinea, Comoros, the Gambia, and Mozambique. Sometimes, a ship will boldly fly the flag of Iran or Russia, making no attempt to conceal its identity. Once a vessel piques his interest, Osman researches its registration number and cross-references it against lists of sanctioned ships.
The vessel's position in the water also provides clues about its potential destination. A ship riding high in the water is likely not carrying much oil, while a deeper vessel is more likely to be loaded with crude.
International Efforts and Safety Concerns
The US has vowed to enforce its embargo on shadow-fleet ships illegally transporting oil, including by seizing vessels evading sanctions. The US recently seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic after an 18-day pursuit that began when the tanker evaded the US Coast Guard while en route to Venezuela to pick up oil. The Bella 1, sanctioned by the US in 2024 for transporting illicit Iranian oil, initially flew the flag of Guyana but hastily painted a Russian flag on its hull once the US was in pursuit.
Other countries are also expressing concerns about the safety threats posed by large vessels hiding their presence in busy shipping channels. In 2024, the UK launched a "call to action" urging coastal, port, and flag states to uphold maritime rules, gathering signatures from 50 countries. The UK's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently stated that the country is ready to work with European partners to "tighten the chokehold" on the shadow fleet and adopt a more assertive and robust approach.
The Singapore Strait's Role
The Singapore Strait's strategic location is a key factor in the movement of shadow fleets. Jennifer Parker, a former naval officer and non-resident fellow at Australia's Lowy Institute, explains that it is the fastest route for ships sailing between East Asia and the Middle East. The strait also serves as an ideal stopping point between sanctioned oil-producing countries and China.
However, because the Singapore Strait is considered an international waterway, it is not under Singaporean jurisdiction, and authorities have limited options to intervene. It is generally against international law for a country other than the flag state to board a ship, unless they can prove that the flag is false.
"If those vessels were to enter Singapore, then it could take action. But going through the international strait, there are limited things that Singapore can do," Parker said.
The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore, in a statement to CNN, acknowledged its limited capacity to act under international law. The MPA said it closely monitors vessel movements and 'dark fleet' behaviors in its purview and reports violations to the International Maritime Organization.
A Personal Mission
On the day Osman spoke to CNN, he filmed a selfie video from his rooftop, looking out over Singapore's skyline towards the distant strait. "I've come to the rooftop to try to spot a sanctioned shadow fleet tanker," Osman said. "The ship I'm trying to spot is called Sahara. It's sailing under the flag of Guinea at the moment, and it's a sanctioned vessel."
In another video, Osman pointed out what he believed to be the Sahara, visible through his zoom lens, peeking out from behind high-rise buildings.
Marine Traffic data confirmed that the Sahara passed through the Strait on Wednesday. The Sahara is sanctioned by the US, the UK, Canada, and Ukraine for its ties to Russia.
"It's fascinating to connect what's happening in global affairs to what I can see outside," Osman said.
And there you have it—a unique insight into the world of illicit oil tankers, brought to you by a dedicated rooftop watchdog.
