The Gambia’s tranquil coastal waters have become an unexpected epicenter of global maritime controversy, with its ship registry increasingly linked to the notorious “dark fleet” of oil tankers engaged in sanctioned trades.
According to research by Ayoola B. Fadola, a Senior Legal Officer at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the rapid rise in Gambian-flagged vessels—many tied to illicit oil trades with nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela—poses severe risks to maritime safety, environmental health, and The Gambia’s international reputation.
“The Gambia’s registry has become a magnet for vessels evading sanctions, exploiting lax regulations to operate in the shadows,” Fadola said. “This threatens not only marine ecosystems and seafarer safety but also the credibility of global maritime governance.”
In just two years, The Gambia’s maritime registry has ballooned from zero tankers in 2023 to 35 oil and gas tankers by March 2025, with fleet capacity surging from 26,665 deadweight tons (dwt) to over 3.6 million dwt. Fadola’s research reveals that 99% of these tankers, by tonnage, are either under U.S., UK, or EU sanctions or engaged in sanctioned trade, positioning The Gambia as a hub in the global shadow shipping network.
These “dark fleet” vessels employ deceptive tactics, including ship-to-ship (STS) cargo transfers in extraterritorial waters, disabling Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to avoid tracking, and “flag-hopping” to obscure ownership. The Gambia’s registry, managed by Cyprus-based MDIR Services Ltd., offers provisional registrations, allowing ships to operate for up to six months with minimal vetting, creating a loophole that tanker owners exploit. “Provisional registration is a critical vulnerability,” Fadola noted. “It allows non-compliant vessels to operate under The Gambia’s flag before safety or sanction checks are completed.”
High-profile cases underscore the issue. The tanker Anita (IMO 9203253), previously expelled from Sudan and Cameroon for trading Iranian oil, was operating under the Gambia’s provisional flag. Similarly, Gas Leader (IMO 9114581) was detained in Humen, China, for faulty lifeboats and violations of SOLAS Chapter II-2 and MARPOL Annex I. Other vessels, like Katsuya (IMO 9178068) and Salakh 22 (IMO 1108122), faced detentions for air pollution and missing documentation, highlighting systemic safety failures.
The environmental impact is dire. Anita’s mismanagement of ballast water risks introducing invasive species and oil leaks into fragile marine ecosystems, while Katsuya’s MARPOL Annex VI violations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. “These vessels are not just a regulatory problem; they’re an ecological disaster waiting to happen,” Fadola warned. Seafarers also face risks, with ships like the Gas Leader failing to meet SOLAS standards for life-saving equipment, thereby creating hazardous conditions.
The Gambia’s registry, while boosting revenue, has drawn global scrutiny. Lloyd’s List reports multiple detentions of Gambian-flagged tankers in Chinese ports, some of which are linked to sanctioned trades. The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) dismisses criticism as a “coordinated campaign.” Still, Fadola’s findings show that lax oversight and flag-hopping—exemplified by vessels like Asterix (IMO 9181194) and Sands—undermine international maritime law, particularly the UNCLOS “genuine link” provision.
International responses are intensifying. The GMA claims compliance with the Abuja MoU, but ongoing detentions suggest enforcement gaps. Environmental groups, such as the Gambia Environmental Alliance and Amnesty International, criticize the poor oversight, while Western authorities, including the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, may impose sanctions if reforms are not implemented.
Fadola urges immediate action: “The Gambia must overhaul its registry with stricter vetting, unannounced inspections, and transparency in ownership.” Reducing reliance on external management and collaborating with the International Maritime Organization could curb sanctions evasion and ensure compliance with SOLAS and MARPOL standards.
The Gambia faces a pivotal moment. By addressing these issues, it can restore its maritime reputation, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure the safety of seafarers. Failure to act risks cementing its role as a “dark fleet” haven, undermining global trade integrity. “The stakes are high,” Fadola said. “The Gambia must choose between short-term gains and long-term credibility.”
