Russian "Shadow Fleet" Oil Tanker Drifting in the Baltic SeaGermany has reported that a tanker belonging to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," used to evade sanctions, is adrift in the Baltic Sea. The Panama-flagged Eventin, a 274-meter-long vessel, lost power and steering off Germany's northern coast.Emergency Response by German Authorities
Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) stated that the tanker, loaded with 99,000 tons of oil, became incapacitated and began drifting uncontrollably. Three tugboats and a team of towing specialists, deployed via helicopter, have been sent to the scene to secure the ship and stabilize its load for safe towing.Challenging Weather Conditions
Strong winds and waves of up to 2.5 meters are complicating rescue efforts. Weather conditions are expected to remain harsh over the next 24 hours, but so far, no oil leaks have been detected.Germany Criticizes Russia's Aging Tankers
Following the incident, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Russia's reliance on aging and poorly maintained vessels to bypass sanctions."By deploying a fleet of rusty tankers, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not only violating sanctions but is also putting European security and the Baltic Sea's tourism sector at significant risk in case of an accident," Baerbock stated, describing the tankers as "dilapidated."The Vessel's Route and Cargo
The Eventin was en route from Ust-Luga Port in Russia to Port Said in Egypt when it lost control near the island of Rügen. The CCME initially planned to tow the vessel to the nearest port, but this operation has been delayed as authorities assess the next steps.Sanctions on the "Shadow Fleet"
Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia's oil industry and on vessels believed to be part of the shadow fleet. To date, the European Union has sanctioned over 70 ships, while the United States and the United Kingdom announced fresh sanctions on 180 more ships last Friday.The incident underscores the risks associated with Russia's Shadow Fleet operations and has renewed calls for stricter measures against these vessels.
Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) stated that the tanker, loaded with 99,000 tons of oil, became incapacitated and began drifting uncontrollably. Three tugboats and a team of towing specialists, deployed via helicopter, have been sent to the scene to secure the ship and stabilize its load for safe towing.Challenging Weather Conditions
Strong winds and waves of up to 2.5 meters are complicating rescue efforts. Weather conditions are expected to remain harsh over the next 24 hours, but so far, no oil leaks have been detected.Germany Criticizes Russia's Aging Tankers
Following the incident, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Russia's reliance on aging and poorly maintained vessels to bypass sanctions."By deploying a fleet of rusty tankers, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not only violating sanctions but is also putting European security and the Baltic Sea's tourism sector at significant risk in case of an accident," Baerbock stated, describing the tankers as "dilapidated."The Vessel's Route and Cargo
The Eventin was en route from Ust-Luga Port in Russia to Port Said in Egypt when it lost control near the island of Rügen. The CCME initially planned to tow the vessel to the nearest port, but this operation has been delayed as authorities assess the next steps.Sanctions on the "Shadow Fleet"
Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia's oil industry and on vessels believed to be part of the shadow fleet. To date, the European Union has sanctioned over 70 ships, while the United States and the United Kingdom announced fresh sanctions on 180 more ships last Friday.The incident underscores the risks associated with Russia's Shadow Fleet operations and has renewed calls for stricter measures against these vessels.