European Countries Consider Seizing Russian Oil Tankers
European countries are considering seizing Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea following incidents involving Moscow’s sanctions-busting “shadow fleet.” Legislation is being drafted to allow the legal seizure of the ships on environmental or piracy grounds, according to Politico, citing European Union diplomats and government officials.
The move comes after a series of incidents, including a damaged undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia in December, suspected to be sabotage. Additionally, Helsinki said Monday that it was preparing for a potential oil spill in the Gulf of Finland following an explosion on a tanker in Russia’s northwestern Leningrad region.
Environmental Risks and International Coordination
Isaac Levi, from the Centre of Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), told Newsweek that Russian shadow fleet vessels posed a huge oil spill risk to coastal European Union countries. “EU coastal states must detain uninsured tankers carrying Russian oil sold above the price cap level,” he said. “These tankers are increasing Russia’s export revenues whilst putting environmental risks on our shores.”
European countries are holding talks on how to seize Moscow’s oil-exporting tankers in the Baltic Sea, according to Politico. Among proposals include legislation to seize vessels on environmental or piracy grounds, as well as national laws that would allow the countries themselves to go after Russian vessels further out at sea.
Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna told Politico that 50 percent of Russia’s sanctioned oil is transiting the Gulf of Finland. He noted attacks on undersea infrastructure and said that his country has increased its oil spill response readiness following an explosion in the engine room of a tanker at the port of Ust-Luga, west of St. Petersburg.
Among the proposals in which the EU would be asked to coordinate are grabbing vessels that risk damaging the environment, such as through oil spills and using piracy laws to seize ships threatening critical undersea infrastructure. If international law fails, countries are also discussing jointly imposing national laws to make it easier to seize ships, such as requiring tankers in the Baltic Sea to use a prescribed list of credible insurers.
Levi said that, if Russian oil tankers continue to sail, coastal states face a high risk of oil spills due to poorly maintained, uninsured tankers that cut corners on safety. He warned that tankers’ lack of emergency response funds means governments and local communities are likely to bear the cleanup costs.
In conclusion, European countries are considering seizing Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea to address environmental concerns and prevent potential disasters. The move comes as Russia continues to transport oil via its aging shadow fleet, posing a significant threat to coastal EU countries.
Original Article: Europe To Hunt Down Putin’s Ailing Shadow Fleet — Newsweek