German Government Seizes Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker in Baltic Sea
The German government has confiscated a tanker stranded in the Baltic Sea linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” Der Spiegel reported on March 21, citing security sources.
The shadow fleet refers to aging and largely uninsured oil tankers that Russia uses to transport oil above the $60 per barrel price cap that the EU, the U.S., and G7 countries imposed in December 2022 as part of the effort to cut Moscow’s fossil fuels revenue. On March 14, German customs authorities seized the Panamanian-flagged tanker Eventin, which was sailing from the Russian port of Ust-Luga through the Baltic Sea to Egypt and had been anchored off the coast of Ruegen since mid-January.
Risk of Oil Spill Mitigated
Due to the risk of an oil spill, the tanker was towed to the waters off Sassnitz, where it was monitored by Germany’s Coast Guard and federal police. The confiscation order from the General Customs Directorate (GZD) allowed Germany to acquire ownership of the vessel and its cargo – approximately 100,000 tons of crude oil worth over 40 million euros ($43 million).
German Government Signals Tough Stance
By seizing the Eventin, the German government aims to signal to Russia that it will not tolerate their oil shipments through the Baltic Sea, Der Spiegel said. The move is seen as a significant step in Germany’s efforts to enforce international sanctions against Russia and curb its ability to circumvent price caps.
Shadow Fleet Suspected of Sabotage
In recent months, shadow fleet vessels have been suspected of sabotage operations in the Baltic Sea, causing major damage to undersea cables. The seizure of the Eventin is seen as a key development in Germany’s efforts to crack down on these activities and protect its own energy infrastructure.
Original Article: Germany seizes Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in Baltic Sea, Der Spiegel reports — Kyivindependent