Belgium Imposes $11.6 Million Bail On Seized Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Ethera

Belgium has imposed a €10 million ($11.6 million) bail on the sanctioned Russian oil tanker Ethera after detaining it in the North Sea.

Authorities said the vessel was part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and had been operating under false documentation. 

The tanker will remain in port until the bond is paid and inspectors confirm full compliance with maritime regulations.

Belgian authorities detained the vessel on March 1 in a joint operation with France. It was brought to the port of Zeebrugge for inspection.

Authorities stated that the ship can only depart after:

• Payment of the €10 million deposit

• Securing a valid flag state

• Obtaining proper certification

• Rectifying technical deficiencies
  

The vessel is listed under European Union sanctions, and it has also been under U.S. sanctions list since July.

Belgian officials confirmed that the Russian captain and the 20-member crew were ordered to stay onboard while the investigation continues.

Most of the crew are Indian nationals. Among the seven senior officers, three are from Georgia and one is from Indonesia.

This is the first time Belgium has seized a ship linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The Belgian Defence Ministry said the action is aimed at enforcing EU sanctions and protecting North Sea waters from possible environmental risks.

Defence Minister Theo Francken said the government is taking strong action against ships that try to bypass sanctions and support Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has earlier called the seizure of Russian-linked tankers “piracy.” Russian officials have also warned that they could take naval action if European countries increase boarding and inspection operations in regional waters.

Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine have led to the rise of a shadow fleet of ageing oil tankers. These vessels often operate with unclear ownership and frequently change flags to avoid sanctions and inspections.

Regulators say many of these tankers are poorly maintained. This raises the risk of oil spills, mechanical failures, and environmental damage.

Belgium’s action follows similar enforcement steps taken by other Western countries.

In January, France boarded and fined another suspected shadow fleet tanker. The United States has also seized several vessels linked to sanctioned oil trade operations.

European lawmakers are discussing tougher legal rules that would allow authorities not only to inspect sanctioned ships, but also to confiscate them.

Reference: Reuters