The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 would allow Irish military personnel to board vessels in the country’s maritime zones to inspect documents, equipment and activities, as well as directing vessels to alter their route.

the US Coast Guard began its pursuit of the oil tanker - known as a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) - two weeks ago as it sailed to Venezuela to pick up an oil shipment.

Defence and security analyst Declan Power told BreakingNews.ie that Ireland has a "limited means to monitor" the shadow fleet, which has been seen multiple times sailing in Irish waters, or in Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone, this year

A total of 557 vessels in the shadow fleet are now listed by the EU