Belgium has seized the oil tanker Ethera, linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and suspected of using false documents, according to Defence Minister Theo Francken. This action aligns with Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia’s oil revenues post-invasion of Ukraine. The Russian embassy expressed concern over the seizure’s implications.
Denmark’s maritime authority has detained the Iran-flagged container vessel “Nora” due to improper registration. Previously sailing under the Comoros flag, it was not listed in the Comoros registry. The ship, linked to U.S. Treasury sanctions via its former identity as “CERUS,” will remain detained pending verification of its registration.
U.S. forces have intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean, intensifying efforts against the shadow fleet transporting illicit Venezuelan oil. This marks the ninth vessel seized in a campaign extending from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific, highlighting a significant commitment to enforcing maritime sanctions globally.
On Saturday, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency intercepted a foreign cargo vessel near Kuala Baram for violating maritime regulations. Inspections revealed significant infractions, including missing registration documents and an expired shipping license. The vessel, crewed by nine individuals, was escorted for further inquiries, highlighting ongoing efforts to enforce maritime laws.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force commended French Polynesian authorities for seizing about 4.87 tonnes of cocaine, believed destined for Australia. AFP Commander Stephen Jay emphasized collaboration, while Acting Commander Linda Cappello warned that increased regional vigilance heightens risks for drug traffickers exploiting maritime routes.
Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had previously evaded a blockade. This operation occurred in the North Atlantic, under U.S. coordination, while Russian military vessels were nearby. Homeland Security affirmed the vessels’ involvement in transporting sanctioned oil.
Finnish police have seized the cargo vessel “Fitburg,” suspected of sabotaging an undersea telecom cable between Helsinki and Estonia. The incident, occurring in the Gulf of Finland, raises alarms amid a series of similar disruptions. The crew has been detained, and NATO countries remain on high alert for potential threats.
The Orissa High Court has ordered the arrest of the Jordanian vessel MV The Patron near Paradip Port due to an admiralty suit by Singapore’s JALDHI Overseas Pte Ltd. The company seeks $202,000 for alleged breaches in a charter agreement, following significant delays caused by the vessel’s engine failure.
The U.S.-blacklisted tanker Bella 1, intercepted near Venezuela, has a complicated history tied to terrorist financing in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Previously registered in Panama, it was en route to load oil when seized, marking a significant escalation in U.S. maritime enforcement efforts against the Maduro government.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker as “piracy and maritime terrorism,” calling it a violation of international law. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez supported this view, labeling the act a crime against humanity and asserting it undermines national sovereignty and international agreements.
Iranian authorities have detained 18 crew members from a foreign tanker in the Gulf of Oman, alleging the vessel was transporting 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. This incident highlights Iran’s ongoing battle against fuel smuggling, which exacerbates economic challenges amid sanctions and a struggling economy.
On December 12, U.S. authorities seized the M/T Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, shortly before a court-issued warrant expired. This operation underscores U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan oil, enforcing measures initiated in 2019. The seizure has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with plans for further interceptions of sanctioned oil shipments.
Australian authorities have seized nearly A$9 million worth of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated shipping container at Port Botany, New South Wales. The Australian Border Force identified the suspicious consignment through an x-ray examination, leading to the discovery of 22 blocks totaling approximately 27kg, confirming the presence of cocaine.
The oil tanker Talara, seized by Iranian forces, has been released without its cargo. The crew is safe and in good spirits. This incident raises concerns about Iran’s targeting of merchant ships amid ongoing tensions. Although specific violations were not disclosed, Iranian state media indicated unspecified infractions.
