Belgian forces, with EU support, detained a sanctioned tanker linked to Iran, targeting Russia's shadow fleet in a midnight operation.
Belgian forces, backed by French helicopters and EU partners, detained a sanctioned product tanker sailing off its coast in an operation targeting Russia's shadow fleet, reported Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
The midnight raid, dubbed 'Blue Intruder,' involved 93 Belgian soldiers and two French helicopters. The tanker Ethera, a 46,600-dwt vessel built in 2008, was intercepted while traveling from Morocco and was believed to be heading toward Russian oil terminals in the Baltic. Officials stated that the vessel was sailing under a false Guyana flag.
The Ethera is operated by a Dubai-based company linked to Iran, which was sanctioned by the UK in 2024, the EU in 2025, and the US in 2025. According to the US Treasury, the operator is tied to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, a senior Iranian advisor killed in Israel's 'Roaring Lion' operation on February 28. Hossein is reported to control a fleet of about 40 tankers and container ships moving oil and other cargo from Iran and Russia.
Belgium's Defence Minister announced the detention, followed by statements from Prime Minister Bart De Wever and French President Emmanuel Macron. Mr. Macron called the action a 'major blow' to Russia's shadow fleet and urged the EU to regularly detain such vessels. The tanker was directed to Zeebrugge for inspection and could face fines of up to EUR10 million (US$1.16 million). The crew of 21 remains under investigation, with their nationalities not disclosed.
