shadow fleet

noun1

1. •
   The collection of vessels utilised by a state to covertly pursue its interests in a way which maintains plausible deniability, such as smuggling to avoid international sanctions, carrying out sabotage, or projecting power in disputed waters.

   • The captain of a suspected “shadow fleet” oil tanker detained off the coast of France will go on trial in February accused of failing to cooperate with authorities. — 2025