CM1 launches Vessel Screening: sanctions screening of ships to address shadow fleet risks

Press release – Wednesday october 7th 2026

The sanctions landscape is becoming increasingly complex, and risk no longer lies only with customers and suppliers but also with the vessels transporting the goods. Softronic CM1 AB is now launching Vessel Screening, a service that enables banks, insurance companies, and companies engaged in international trade to screen vessels against sanctions lists using vessel names and IMO numbers.

The so-called shadow fleet has become one of the most prominent challenges for organizations exposed to international trade. By changing flag, ownership structure, or operator, vessels can conceal links to sanctioned actors, shipments to high-risk jurisdictions, or networks used to circumvent international sanctions. This makes information about the vessel itself an increasingly critical component of risk assessment.

Due diligence must now also cover vessels and maritime actors involved in trade flows. For banks, this may relate to maritime risks in trade finance and customer transactions; for insurance companies, to risks associated with insured vessels and shipments; and for trading companies, to avoiding exposure to sanctioned actors, vessels, or cargo flows.

• Financial crime and the ability to circumvent international sanctions are becoming increasingly sophisticated. For organizations operating internationally, this places greater demands on understanding the full risk picture—from customers and suppliers to the vessels and trade flows that form part of the value chain. Vessel Screening is therefore not just a compliance issue, but a vital part of making safe and well-founded business decisions,” says Sandra Madstedt, Business Unit Manager at Softronic CM1 AB.

With CM1 Vessel Screening, organizations can:

• Screen vessel names and IMO numbers against relevant sanctions lists
• Strengthen work in Trade Compliance, AML, and third-party risk management
• Streamline due diligence processes and make more informed decisions
• Document and track screenings to meet regulatory requirements

By integrating IMO searches into the screening process, it becomes easier to detect vessels attempting to hide their history through name changes or other alterations.

The ambition behind CM1 Vessel Screening is to provide customers with a tool that makes it easier to detect risks early, make safer decisions, and strengthen compliance with both AML regulations and trade sanctions.

About CM1
CM1 is the Nordic region’s leading AML system for combating money laundering. The service includes tools and process support to comply with requirements for measures against money laundering and terrorist financing. CM1 efficiently and user-friendfully handles customer due diligence processes, transaction monitoring, and checks against PEP and sanctions lists. Softronic CM1 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Softronic AB and has approximately 25 employees and over 200 customers across Europe. www.cm1.se

About Softronic
Softronic helps companies and organizations develop their operations and create real societal value through innovative digital solutions. We support our customers in their digital transformation, from advisory and new development to management and operations. Softronic was founded in 1984 and is today listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Nasdaq OMX. Our team consists of more than 500 driven, curious, and knowledgeable employees in Stockholm, Göteborg, Malmö, Sundsvall, Karlstad, Arjeplog, and Visby. www.softronic.se