German Government Seizes Russian Tanker Eventin Amid Sanctions
The German government has taken decisive action against an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s secretive “shadow fleet” used to skirt international sanctions and sell oil globally. According to Der Spiegel, Berlin seized the Eventin, a Panama-flagged tanker anchored off the coast of Rügen since mid-January.
The move is aimed at signaling to the Kremlin that Germany won’t turn a blind eye to Russian oil transiting through the Baltic Sea in violation of sanctions. The German government decided to take tough action against the tanker, which had been part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to continue selling oil worldwide despite existing sanctions.
Customs Authorities Take Control
Following an official confiscation order from Germany’s main customs office, both the aging vessel and its cargo – nearly 100,000 tons of crude oil valued at roughly 40 million euros (about $43.5 million) – have now been transferred to German ownership. Security sources told Spiegel that the Eventin will be renamed once the legal handover is finalized.
Authorities Weigh Options for Offloading Cargo
Authorities are currently weighing how and where to safely offload the crude oil and what to do with the tanker itself. Officials in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania are pushing for the vessel’s quick removal, citing environmental and tourism concerns.
Background: Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Sanctions
Back on January 10, 2023, the U.S. imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting one of Russia’s main sources of war funding: its oil sector. The measures hit top Russian oil producers like Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, insurance companies, oilfield service providers, Russian officials, and 183 tankers from the so-called shadow fleet used to deliver Russian crude.
Those new sanctions have forced major Russian buyers like India and China to start looking elsewhere for oil, turning to alternative suppliers in the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
Original Article: Germany seizes tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet — Nv