What is the shadow fleet?

The shadow fleet refers to vessels that use opaque ownership structures, flag changes or disabled AIS transponders to evade sanctions, for example when transporting Russian oil.

How do I screen a vessel for sanctions?

Enter the vessel name or IMO number and the operator. The system checks official sanctions lists and provides an audit-proof PDF with a verification URL.

What are ship-to-ship transfers?

Ship-to-ship transfers involve transferring cargo between vessels at sea. They are sometimes used to conceal the origin of cargo and evade sanctions.

What are the penalties for a violation?

A violation of sanctions and the making-available prohibition is a criminal offence under Section 18(1) of the German Foreign Trade Act (AWG), punishable by three months to five years of imprisonment, or six months to ten years in particularly serious cases (Section 18(6a) AWG). Companies may additionally face a corporate fine of up to EUR 40 million (Section 19(7) AWG). Managing directors are personally liable for a fine of up to EUR 1 million if they breach their supervisory duties (Section 130(3) of the German Administrative Offences Act (OWiG)).

Does Am I Compliant replace legal advice?

No. The screening result is a risk indicator, not legal advice. The legal assessment and decision remain your responsibility.

Solution · Vessels and aircraft

Sanctions screening for vessels and aircraft

Maritime sanctions risks arise from the shadow fleet, detained or sanctioned vessels, and ship-to-ship transfers used to evade sanctions, for example when transporting Russian oil. Am I Compliant screens vessels and aircraft, including their operators, against official sanctions lists and provides the result in an audit-proof PDF with a verification URL.

Last updated: 21 August 2026

Screen vessels, aircraft and their operators before chartering, freight arrangements or taking on cargo against official sanctions lists. Results in seconds as an audit-proof PDF with a verification URL.

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When should you screen maritime business partners?

Screen chartering or freight arrangements

Screen the means of transport and operator before concluding a charter or freight arrangement.

Screen vessels or aircraft before a transaction

Screen the vessel name, IMO number or aircraft identifier and the operator against sanctions lists.

Audit evidence

An audit-proof PDF for each check with a verification URL for the transaction file.

Does this also apply to aircraft?

Yes. The term vessels covers means of transport on water and in the air. Aircraft and their operators can also be subject to sanctions, for example if they are owned or controlled by a listed person. The process is the same as for ships.

What related topics can you explore?

Which primary legal sources apply?

Check your first business partner in 30 seconds

Screening against 20 official sanctions and PEP lists from 18 jurisdictions, with an audit-proof PDF.

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Create an account for your screening certificate. Result in 30 seconds.

Am I Compliant is an information and data processing service and does not provide legal advice. Results are research findings; the legal assessment and decision rest with the user.

Frequently asked questions

Am I Compliant is an information and data processing service and does not provide legal advice. Results are research findings; the legal assessment and decision rest with the user.