First Intervention by the UK on Russia's 'Shadow Fleet': Tanker Seized

British forces seized a petroleum tanker named Smyrtos, which is reported to belong to Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent sanctions, in an operation conducted in the English Channel. After approximately six hours of operation, the vessel was towed to a mooring area off the southern coast of England, while a sailor was detained on suspicion of sanction violations.

Authorities stated that the detained individual is an Indian citizen. It was reported that the 24 Georgian and Indian crew members aboard the vessel would remain on the ship during the investigation.

Powers Announced by Starmer in March Used for the First Time

The operation marked the first application of the regulations announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in March, which grant British security forces the authority to intervene against 'shadow fleet' vessels passing through UK territorial waters that are subject to sanctions. This year, several European countries, particularly France, have also conducted similar operations.

In evaluating the intervention, Prime Minister Starmer stated, 'This step is a new blow to Russia. Those who finance Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine should see that they cannot hide.'

A Large Portion of Russian Oil Exports is Conducted Through the Shadow Fleet

According to the British government, the shadow fleet used by Russia to circumvent sanctions consists of over 700 vessels and carries approximately 75% of the country's sanctioned oil exports. The London administration has indicated that sanctions have been imposed on around 600 vessels connected to this network so far.

Following the seizure of the Smyrtos, it was noted that some sanctioned tankers have altered their routes to avoid approaching the English Channel, which had an immediate effect on tanker traffic.

Strong Reaction from Moscow

The operation sparked strong reactions in Moscow. Russian senator and former NATO representative Dmitriy Rogozin argued that tankers used in the shadow fleet should be equipped with explosives to deter similar interventions in the future.

Rogozin suggested, 'We should mine the tankers we use,' claiming that explosives could be detonated remotely in the event of a seizure. He asserted that several explosions and potential oil spills would change the attitude of Western navies.

Experts warn that if Rogozin's proposal were to be implemented, it could have extremely serious consequences for international maritime security and the environment.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye