Seized shadow fleet tanker fined €10 million, subject to passenger ban
A tanker linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet has been fined more than 10 million euros after being boarded by the Belgian army last weekend. Justice minister Annelies Verlinden and Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke announced the news in a joint press release on Tuesday.
The vessel, Ethera, was boarded overnight from Saturday to Sunday as part of Operation Blue Intruder. The Directorate-General for Shipping identified 45 infringements. Most relate to false certificates, following the finding that the tanker was sailing under a false Guinean flag. Inspectors also reported technical defects.
The Federal Shipping Police carried out additional checks on board, including verifying the identities of the 21 crew members. The crew comprises one Russian captain, seven officers of Indian, Georgian and Indonesian origin, and 13 other crew members, all of Indian nationality.
The tanker is currently subject to a so-called passenger ban, meaning the crew is not allowed to disembark or enter Belgian territory. The shipowner is responsible for the crew's welfare and supplies for the duration of the ban.
The ship will be permitted to sail again once a deposit of 10,020,000 euros has been paid and a new inspection confirms that it complies with all applicable regulations. The follow-up inspection will only take place once the shipowner has indicated that the vessel fully meets regulatory requirements.
"A clear international signal"
"Operation Blue Intruder, the inspections carried out and the ongoing investigation by the federal public prosecutor's office send a clear international signal that Belgium is taking active measures against the shadow fleet and strengthening the security of vital infrastructure," minister Verlinden said.
"With this operation, we are enforcing European sanctions, protecting the North Sea and limiting the financing of Russia's war against Ukraine. Belgium will not allow its maritime space to be used to undermine international law," added Defence minister Theo Francken.
The Ethera was en route from Morocco to Saint Petersburg in Russia when it was boarded. The tanker is on the European Union's sanctions list.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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