Germany Seizes Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Oil Tanker Adrift in Baltic Sea

MHA - Germany intercepted the oil tanker 'Eventin,' linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet,' after it was found adrift near Rügen island. The vessel was towed to safety to prevent environmental hazards 

Geniş Metin:

In January 2025, German authorities seized the oil tanker 'Eventin,' believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet'—a group of vessels allegedly used to circumvent Western sanctions. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying approximately 99,000 tons of oil from Russia to Egypt, lost propulsion and steering near Germany's Rügen island in the Baltic Sea. To avert a potential environmental disaster, German maritime officials dispatched tugboats to tow the 274-meter-long vessel to the port of Sassnitz. ​ German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia's use of aging tankers to bypass sanctions, stating that such actions not only undermine sanctions but also pose significant environmental and security risks to Europe. She highlighted that Russia's tactics threaten European security beyond the aggression in Ukraine, encompassing neglected oil tankers that jeopardize the Baltic Sea's tourism and ecosystem. ​The 'Eventin' incident underscores growing concerns about Russia's 'shadow fleet,' comprising older, sometimes poorly maintained vessels used to continue oil exports amidst international sanctions. These ships often lack proper insurance and operate with inexperienced crews, elevating the risk of accidents and environmental hazards. The European Union has been exploring measures to address the threats posed by this clandestine fleet, which not only finances Russia's war budget but also endangers maritime safety and the environment. ​ The proactive response by German authorities in securing the 'Eventin' reflects a broader commitment to enforcing sanctions and ensuring maritime safety. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges European nations face in upholding international law and environmental protection in the face of covert operations designed to evade sanctions.