Germany Seizes Tanker Believed to be Part of Russian Shadow Fleet
Germany recently made headlines after seizing a decrepit tanker found adrift off its northern coast in January. The tanker, named Eventin and flying the Panama flag, was discovered off the Baltic Sea island of Ruegen while en route from Russia to Egypt. Security sources believe that this vessel is part of a shadow fleet utilized by Russia to bypass oil sanctions.
After securing the tanker, German maritime authorities issued a confiscation order, effectively making the vessel and its cargo of approximately 100,000 metric tons of oil (valued at around 40 million euros) German property. This move has sparked tensions between Berlin and Moscow, especially amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The European Union had previously included Eventin in its 16th package of sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This package specifically targeted vessels like Eventin that are used by Russia to transport oil, arms, and grains in violation of international sanctions. These vessels, known as the “shadow fleet,” operate outside the purview of conventional Western regulations and insurance providers.
Responding to inquiries about the seizure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow has no information about the ship, its owner, or the reasons for its confiscation. The German finance ministry, responsible for customs authorities, refrained from providing detailed comments due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Despite the lack of official confirmation from Russia, German authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to close the loophole that allows Russia to finance its military activities in Ukraine through illicit means. Collaboration with international partners is ongoing to disrupt these clandestine operations.
In light of the heightened tensions between Russia and the West, the seizure of Eventin underscores the complexities of enforcing sanctions and monitoring maritime activities in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, Germany’s decisive actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by rogue actors in the global oil trade.
As customs measures are being implemented, the fate of Eventin and its valuable cargo remains uncertain. The international community will be closely monitoring developments in this case as it unfolds.
(Reuters – Additional reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Christian Kraemer in Berlin; editing by Frances Kerry and Mark Heinrich)