WHITEPAPER

High-risk ship-to-ship transfers and emerging hotspots

Uncover where—and why—risky STS operations are increasing, and what it means for maritime compliance.

A growing concern: High-risk ship-to-ship transfers and emerging hotspots | Jan 2025

Mapping high-risk STS activity and compliance vulnerabilities

Ship-to-ship (STS) transfers have long supported global energy trade—but they’re now being exploited to evade sanctions and regulatory oversight. As operations shift toward new “shadow zones” in places like Khor Al Zubair, Malta, and Singapore’s EOPL, the threat of sanction breaches, illicit trade, and environmental damage continues to grow.

This whitepaper explores the data behind this surge in high-risk STS transfers, revealing emerging hotspots, real-world case studies, and the evolving tactics of sanctioned operators. Learn how shifting maritime activity is reshaping compliance expectations—and what steps risk professionals can take to stay ahead.

Key takeaways

  • How STS activity is moving from traditional hubs to under-monitored regions
  • How sanctioned entities leverage STS transfers to conceal cargo origins and bypass enforcement
  • How advanced AIS tracking, satellite monitoring, and regulatory data reveal hidden patterns of illicit maritime behavior

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