[Virtual Watch Party]
Sanctions on Russia's oil industry have led to unprecedented growth of the shadow fleet, a group of secretive vessels operating outside the mainstream shipping sector. As the network continues to defy enforcement efforts, it is increasingly distorting oil market dynamics and taking the world dangerously close to an environmental disaster.
Join us for an exclusive watch party for our new mini-documentary, Shadow Fleet: How illicit shipping networks broke global oil trade, followed by a Q&A with the creators.
Platts journalists Kelly Norways and Max Lin will discuss their investigations into the shifting mechanics of the illicit tanker fleet, while Byron McKinney, Director of Trade and Compliance at S&P Global Market Intelligence, will share expert insight on uncovering covert trade flows.
Meet the creators:
Kelly Norways is a journalist on the London oil news desk for S&P Global Commodity Insights, with a focus on refining, downstream market dynamics and international trade flows. Her recent work has included scripting and presenting the S&P exclusive mini-documentary, Shadow Fleet: How illicit shipping networks broke global oil trade, investigating AIS manipulation in the Gulf of Guinea and mapping Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian refining network. Before completing her NCTJ journalism diploma, she began her career at S&P as a pricing specialist focused on the marine fuel market and alternative bunker fuels.
Max Lin is a journalist at Platts News, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, based in London. He covers oil shipping and marine fuels, with a focus on sanctions, shadow fleet activity, and regulatory developments. Max has reported across Asia and Europe for over 15 years, including roles at TradeWinds, Lloyd’s List, and Dow Jones. His work has been recognised with industry awards such as Seahorse Journalist of the Year. He holds a master’s degree with distinction in international journalism and works primarily in English, drawing on Mandarin for source engagement and adopting a data-led approach to research.
Byron McKinney is a director for trade compliance solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence, where he focuses on assisting international firms managing their sanctions risk in respect to shipping. He has over 20 years of experience across the commodity and trade compliance markets gained from leading commercial business teams at IHS Markit, Accuity and Reuters. Byron has contributed to articles in Politico, Global Trade Review and Trade Winds and has authored papers on maritime sanctions evasion, Russian ship ownership risk and the use of AIS in managing shipping sanctions risk. He holds a BA (Hons) degree in Economic History and continues to learn Farsi.