Belgian army seizes oil tanker from Russian shadow fleet
The Belgian army, with support from the French army, has seized an oil tanker from the Russian shadow fleet, Defence minister Theo Francken reported early on Sunday morning on X. "The ship is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized," Francken said.
Operation Blue Intruder was carried out by "a team of exceptionally brave service members", he said. In his message, which also included an image of a tanker, Francken thanked Justice minister Annelies Verlinden, Foreign minister Maxime Prévot and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin. More information will follow on Sunday during a press conference, he said.
Prime minister Bart De Wever congratulated "our armed forces on their professional and decisive conduct during tonight’s successful operation" and thanked French partners "for providing essential support". "Belgium will uphold international maritime law and the security of its territorial waters,” he wrote on X.
In January, France detained a tanker suspected of being part of the Russian shadow fleet. French authorities allowed the oil tanker to depart after a few weeks. The owner was ordered to pay a fine of several million euros. Ships in the Russian shadow fleet are sailing under false flags to avoid international sanctions.
Verlinden, who is resmonsible for matters related to the North Sea, said: “Increasing geopolitical tensions and organised crime are making our sea, its vital infrastructure, shipping, and our ports more vulnerable than ever. Incidents in the North Sea and elsewhere, such as the Baltic Sea, demonstrate how quickly critical installations can be targeted in this unique and rapidly changing security context."
#FlandersNewsService | Theo Francken © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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