Belgium Cracks Down on Russian 'Shadow Fleet' with Seizure of Oil Tanker

Belgium's government has placed a significant legal hold on the Russian oil tanker Ethera, mandating a 10 million euro bail after its seizure on Sunday. The North Sea ministry revealed that the tanker was part of a Russian shadow fleet operating with false identification and documentation.

Upon inspection, authorities identified 45 violations, mainly related to counterfeit certificates linked to the ship's misleading Guinean flag. The Ethera's release is contingent upon payment of the imposed sum and a follow-up inspection to ensure all regulations are met, including securing a legitimate flag state, proper certification, and resolving technical deficiencies.

Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing EU sanctions, protecting the North Sea, and restricting Russia's financial avenues for the war in Ukraine. The rise of the 'shadow fleet' following sanctions aimed at curbing Russian oil exports presents environmental risks, with their opaque ownership and lack of regulation posing threats to marine ecosystems.