Cameroon has begun cleaning up its maritime registry after discovering that several foreign vessels may have improperly operated under the country's flag.
In a recent statement, Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe announced the removal of several ships from the Cameroonian registry amid growing international scrutiny of the so-called Russian shadow fleet, a network of vessels accused of helping transport Russian oil despite Western sanctions.
According to an initial version of the delisting document reviewed by Investir au Cameroun, at least eight vessels were linked to activities involving Russian oil shipments, the Russian shadow fleet, or operations connected to sanctioned countries. The document reportedly included detailed reasons for each removal before being withdrawn and replaced with a revised version that omitted those explanations.
Among the vessels identified in the original document were Jasper, Deliver, Ira, Marquise, and Tyche 1, which were described as being involved in the transport of Russian crude oil or petroleum products. Three others—Lia, Vikram, and Lark—were reportedly associated with sanctioned countries or appeared on international sanctions lists.
The original document cited particularly sensitive allegations. Some vessels were linked to the transport of Russian oil, high-risk irregular practices, deceptive conduct, and ship-to-ship cargo transfers, commonly known as STS operations. Others were reportedly associated with disabling or manipulating the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which allows ships to broadcast their location, or with port calls in occupied Crimea.
Registry Under Increased Scrutiny
Cameroon's decision comes as governments and regulators increase oversight of so-called flags of convenience used by vessels suspected of bypassing sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
The European Union and its allies have sought to curb Moscow's oil revenues, which they view as a key source of funding for the war effort.
In recent months, Cameroon has been cited among countries whose flags may have been used by vessels linked to the shadow fleet. According to sources familiar with the maritime sector, about 40 vessels were either registered under, or sought to operate under, the Cameroonian flag, drawing attention from some of Yaoundé's Western partners.
That figure has not been officially confirmed, and questions remain regarding the exact number of vessels involved, their legal status, and the circumstances under which they obtained or claimed Cameroonian registration.
For the government, the issue extends beyond the vessels themselves.
The case has exposed potential weaknesses in the country's ship registration system and highlighted the reputational risks associated with vessels linked to sanctions, opaque ownership structures, or concealment practices. Such associations could subject the Cameroonian flag to increased inspections, reduced confidence from insurers and charterers, and potential diplomatic friction with international partners.
According to information obtained by Investir au Cameroun, several meetings have been held under the authority of the Prime Minister's Office to review procedures governing the registration of foreign vessels in Cameroon.
Authorities reportedly decided to clean up the maritime registry, strengthen flag assignment procedures, and revise the legal framework governing vessel registration. Investigation teams appointed by the Prime Minister's Office also visited the maritime districts of Kribi, Douala, and Limbe in May. These offices are authorized to grant the Cameroonian flag to vessels.
The removal of the ships appears to be the first step in that process.
However, several questions remain unanswered. How did these vessels obtain Cameroonian registration? What due diligence was conducted before the flag was granted? Were private intermediaries involved? And why was the original document, which detailed the reasons for the removals, replaced with a less detailed version?
The Ministry of Transport had not responded to requests for clarification at the time of publication. Officials are expected to provide additional details regarding the number of vessels involved, any administrative responsibilities that may be identified, and the new rules being considered for the registration of foreign ships.
Ludovic Amara