US-Flagged Vessel Seized Off Scottish Coast Linked to Venezuela
A Russian-flagged oil tanker previously known as Bella-1, now called Marinera, was spotted off the coast of Moray in Scotland a week after it was intercepted by the US. The vessel was seen being escorted to an undisclosed location accompanied by a US coast guard vessel.
The seizure comes as British special forces are reportedly considering raiding vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, aiming to place further pressure on President Vladimir Putin. This development follows the UK’s support for a US operation to seize the Marinera.
Shadow Fleet Operations: A Growing Concern
The use of shadow fleets to move sanctioned oil around the world has increased in recent years as states seek to circumvent restrictions to their transportation. Maritime law requires vessels to be registered to a specific country or territory and display its flag. However, if a ship fails to do this, it could be deemed stateless.
Shadow fleets often operate under deceptive practices, including the use of fake flags. The Marinera‘s Russian flag is one such example. Nationality must be established for the UK to seize a vessel.
Real-Time Tracking: A Glimpse into Shadow Fleet Activity
Data collated by FleetLeaks shows the real-time position and compliance status of over 400 vessels operating under international sanctions. According to the tracker, several ships are operating in European waters, including the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Norwegian Sea. The US military and Coast Guard intercepted the Marinera in the waters northwest of Scotland after a two-week chase through the North Atlantic.
The vast majority of Russian-linked vessels operate along this region, according to Shadow Fleet tracker. Other hotbeds of shadow fleet activity include Southeast Asia, East Asia, North Africa, and South America.
British Government Reacts: Options for Further Raids
Soldiers could target illegal oil tankers in a move to place further economic pressure on Putin. The briefing came days after the UK supported a US operation to seize the Marinera. A defence source confirmed that options to seize further vessels are being considered, with no timeframe given for potential missions.
The Special Boats Service (SBS) would likely lead the raids. A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport stated, “Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – and we will continue to do so.”
Defence Secretary John Healey has publicly justified the action to seize the Marinera, saying, “This ship, with its history of illegal activities, was always going to be a target.”
Original Article: Where are the shadow fleet oil tankers? Vessel seized by US spotted off Scottish coast — Aol