For the first time, Australia has enacted sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, as announced by the government on Wednesday.

These latest measures target 60 ships that have already been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union.

According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, “Russia employs these vessels to evade international sanctions and perpetuate its unlawful and unethical conflict in Ukraine.”

The department further explained that “utilizing deceptive tactics such as changing flags, disabling tracking devices, and operating without adequate insurance, the shadow fleet facilitates the illegal trade of Russian oil and other prohibited goods.”

Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Australia has imposed over 1,400 sanctions on Russia.