In a troubling development for European maritime security, Germany's maritime authorities confirmed the presence of a Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel adrift in the Baltic Sea. The Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, Eventin, experienced a loss of power and steering, prompting a rescue operation involving tugboats.
Germany Identifies Russian 'Shadow' Tanker Adrift in Baltic Sea
Germany Identifies Russian 'Shadow' Tanker Adrift in Baltic Sea
German authorities highlight the presence of a Russian-linked tanker that lost power, marking a significant incident amidst sanctions-related tensions.
On Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of employing a dilapidated fleet to evade sanctions that the US, UK, and EU imposed following Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2022. The Eventin is 274 meters long and carries approximately 99,000 tonnes of oil while currently drifting off the coast, north of Rügen island. Specialized teams were deployed via helicopter to establish towing connections, with safety measures in place due to rough maritime conditions, including waves reaching 2.5 meters in height.
Despite the tanker flying the Panamanian flag, German officials hold Russia accountable for the situation. Baerbock emphasized the broader threats posed by Russia to European safety, citing incidents like damaged undersea cables attributed to its shadow fleet.
In response to the notable risk posed by this fleet, the European Union has indicated intentions to impose sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, which is believed to play a crucial role in subsidizing the ongoing war efforts through obscure shipping practices. The US has also taken steps by sanctioning 183 vessels linked to this fleet, further tightening the noose around Russia's oil export capabilities.
As the situation unfolds, the convoy of tugboats is slowly making way towards Sassnitz, with expectations for arrival early Sunday. Meanwhile, as geopolitical tensions escalate, the situation reflects the continued complexities of maritime law and international relations, spotlighting the ongoing ramifications of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Despite the tanker flying the Panamanian flag, German officials hold Russia accountable for the situation. Baerbock emphasized the broader threats posed by Russia to European safety, citing incidents like damaged undersea cables attributed to its shadow fleet.
In response to the notable risk posed by this fleet, the European Union has indicated intentions to impose sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, which is believed to play a crucial role in subsidizing the ongoing war efforts through obscure shipping practices. The US has also taken steps by sanctioning 183 vessels linked to this fleet, further tightening the noose around Russia's oil export capabilities.
As the situation unfolds, the convoy of tugboats is slowly making way towards Sassnitz, with expectations for arrival early Sunday. Meanwhile, as geopolitical tensions escalate, the situation reflects the continued complexities of maritime law and international relations, spotlighting the ongoing ramifications of Russia's war in Ukraine.
