Russian Shadow Fleet Near Canary Islands: 50 Ships Weekly 2026

The Russian shadow fleet has become a weekly presence near the Canary Islands, with about 50 ships detected in Spanish waters, according to Spain's 2025 National Security Report. This surge in Russian vessel activity has raised alarms over the security of critical undersea infrastructure, especially telecommunications cables.

Since the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, NATO has prioritized the protection of subsea infrastructure. The incident exposed vulnerabilities and a lack of legal tools to safeguard these assets. Now, Spain's latest security report highlights that Russian ships near the Canary Islands quintupled in 2025, with the Navy's Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Center (COVAM) tracking around 50 vessels each week, primarily in the Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea, and the Strait of Gibraltar.

What Is the Russian Shadow Fleet?

The Russian shadow fleet consists of vessels that do not fly the Russian flag but operate under flags of convenience with opaque insurance arrangements. Their official mission is to transport Russian, Venezuelan, and Iranian oil to Asia, circumventing international sanctions. The European Maritime Safety Agency has been monitoring this phenomenon for years.

These ships often disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, making them difficult to track. Their presence near critical undersea cables is particularly concerning because they could potentially damage or tap into these lines. The Canary Islands are a strategic location for such infrastructure, with several key cables connecting Europe to Africa and the Americas.

Why Are These Ships Near the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands lie at the crossroads of major transatlantic routes. Undersea telecommunications cables pass through these waters, linking continents and carrying the bulk of global internet traffic. The Russian shadow fleet's increased presence could be a form of hybrid warfare, testing NATO's response and mapping vulnerabilities.

Spain's National Security Report emphasizes that the protection of submarine cables is now a top strategic priority. The report notes that the lack of legal frameworks to address such threats is a significant gap. NATO has been working on legal and operational measures to protect these assets, but challenges remain.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 National Security Report

• Fivefold increase in Russian ship presence near the Canary Islands in 2025.
• 50 vessels per week detected by COVAM in Spanish waters, mainly around the Canary Islands, Alboran Sea, and Strait of Gibraltar.
• Shadow fleet operations involve flags of convenience and opaque insurance to evade sanctions.
• Undersea cables are identified as a major strategic concern for Spain and NATO.
• Legal gaps persist in protecting subsea infrastructure from hybrid threats.

How Does This Affect Spain and NATO?

The increased Russian naval activity near the Canary Islands is a direct challenge to Spain's sovereignty and NATO's collective security. The shadow fleet's presence could be a precursor to disruptive actions against undersea cables, which are vital for global communications and financial systems.

NATO has responded by enhancing surveillance and coordination among member states. However, the legal framework for responding to such threats is still evolving. The 2025 report calls for stronger international cooperation and clearer rules of engagement to deter and respond to hybrid threats.

Comparison of Russian Naval Activity in Key Regions

Note: The table summarizes data from the 2025 National Security Report. The 50 ships per week are distributed across the mentioned areas. The background to this story is set out in Royal Navy Russian Vessel Monitoring Up 25% in UK Waters. A related thread runs through NATO Foils Russian Undersea Cable Sabotage Drill in Arctic. Earlier coverage in Russian Fishing Boats Near Undersea Cables: 500+ Suspicious Incidents shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

Spain and NATO are likely to increase naval patrols and surveillance in the Canary Islands region. The report may lead to new legislation or international agreements to protect undersea cables. Additionally, the EU may impose further sanctions on shadow fleet vessels and their enablers. A closer look at the same subject appears in Royal Navy Increases Russian Vessel Monitoring by 25%. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Undersea Cable Security: The Hidden Battle for Global Energy. The same theme surfaces in Spain Sinks Warship in Canary Islands SINKEX 26 Drill, which takes a different angle.

The situation underscores the need for robust cybersecurity and physical security measures for critical infrastructure. As the threat evolves, Spain's ability to adapt and collaborate with allies will be crucial. Context on how this played out before sits in Madrid's Iconic Strawberry Tree Threatens Canary Islands. A companion piece, Canary Islands Pay the Hidden Cost of Fishmeal Aquaculture, approaches the same subject from another angle.