Belgium Fines Sanctioned Tanker €10M and Detains it for Safety Violations
Belgium announced during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 3, that it has completed its inspection of the tanker Ethera, which it detained overnight on Saturday as it was sailing along the coast and brought into port. They confirmed that the vessel was sailing under a false flag, without proper certificates, and with multiple safety violations.
The inspection revealed a total of 45 violations, including technical defaults with the ship. The tanker has been ordered to pay a fine of €10,020,000 (approximately $11 million). Further, the ship will remain under detention until the owner can demonstrate that it secured a flag state and has proper certificates. The ship will also have to undergo a further inspection to confirm that the safety deficiencies have been corrected.
Crew and Vessel Details
The tanker has a crew of 21 aboard, consisting of a Russian captain, seven officers from various countries including India, Georgia, and Indonesia, and 13 crewmembers from India. The crew has been ordered to remain aboard the vessel until it is cleared to depart.
Background on the Sanctioned Tanker
Built in 2008, the vessel was acquired in 2024 by the son of one of Iran’s top advisors to the Supreme Leader. The father was reported to have been killed in Sunday’s raids on Iran, as well as Iran’s Supreme Leader. The United States sanctioned the tanker in July 2025 for its link to Iran and also said it was being used to transport Russian oil in violation of sanctions.
Enforcement Action
In a carefully orchestrated effort called “Blue Intruder,” 93 Belgian soldiers and two French helicopters descended on the tanker shortly before midnight on Saturday, February 28. The 46,600 dwt tanker was traveling in ballast from Morocco to Russia and claimed to be registered in Guyana.
Original Article: Belgium Fines Sanctioned Tanker €10M and Detains it for Safety Violations — The Maritime Executive