Belgium has set a bail of 10 million euros ($11.61 million) on the Russian oil tanker Ethera, seized on Sunday due to its involvement in a “shadow fleet” operating under false flags and documents. The North Sea ministry reported 45 violations, primarily related to the vessel sailing under a fake Guinean flag.
The Ethera will only be allowed to resume operations once the bail is paid and a follow-up inspection confirms compliance with regulations, including securing a legitimate flag state and addressing technical issues. Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized that the government is taking decisive action against shadow fleet vessels to enforce EU sanctions and protect the North Sea while hindering financing for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The rise of such shadow fleets has been attributed to Western sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s oil revenues following its invasion of Ukraine. The Ethera is listed under EU sanctions, and while the Russian embassy in Belgium has not commented, Moscow has previously labeled the seizure of its vessels as acts of piracy.
Concerns have been raised about the environmental risks posed by shadow fleet vessels, which often have unclear ownership structures and are typically older, poorly regulated tankers, increasing the likelihood of spills and mechanical failures.
Share it now
