The UK Threatens to Seize Russia-Linked Shadow Fleet Tanker Amid Escalating Tensions
The UK is considering seizing a Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker in an effort to curb Moscow’s ability to evade international sanctions. The move comes as tensions between the West and Russia continue to escalate, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine now in its second year.
Military Options Discussed
British defence sources have confirmed that military options to capture a rogue ship had been identified in discussions involving Nato allies. This development follows the US-led seizure of a Russian tanker in the Atlantic last month. The UK, Germany, France, and other Nato countries bordering the Baltic and North seas issued a joint statement late last month calling for all vessels sailing through either region to “strictly comply with applicable international law.” However, despite setting conditions for a seizure, nothing has followed.
Shadow Fleet Grows to 600 Vessels
In January, Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported that 23 shadow fleet ships using false or fraudulent flags were spotted in the Channel or Baltic Sea. Many of these vessels are linked to the export of Russian oil, largely by water to China, India, and Turkey. The shadow fleet has grown significantly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Moscow reportedly spending an estimated $15bn on buying 400 ageing tankers to create its own “shadow fleet.”
Risks of Seizure
Richard Meade, the editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, notes that while the Royal Navy could challenge any number of ships under maritime law because they are in fact stateless, nothing has been done so far. Meade suggests that there are escalatory risks involved in seizing a ship, particularly if it is not done away from the Baltic or Arctic waters.
French Detention of Oil Tanker
On January 22, France detained the Grinch, an oil tanker off the coast of Spain. The vessel had departed from Murmansk in Russia under the flag of Comoros, but a week later the French president told his Ukrainian counterpart that it would have to be released due to French law.
UK Defence Secretary’s Comments
John Healey, the UK defence secretary, has stated that Britain will host a meeting of Baltic and Nordic countries to discuss “military options that we might use.” Any oil seized could be sold and put into Ukraine in order to fight Putin’s invasion.
Original Article: Albanian Daily News — Albaniandailynews