Estonian authorities have detained an oil tanker which is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” and had been sailing through Estonian waters in the Gulf of Finland on 11 April.
The oil tanker was intercepted en route to Russia’s port of Ust-Luga and had previously been sanctioned by the EU as well as Canada, Switzerland, and the U.K. Estonian authorities noted that the vessel was operating without a flag state, which makes it illegal to sail in international waters.
According to Estonian authorities, the vessel lacks a flag state, meaning it is not permitted to sail on the open seas.
The purpose of the detention is to check the ship’s documents and legal status. The detention and the investigations being carried out are in no way related to damage to critical infrastructure, and the inspection on board is being conducted by the appropriate authorities.
…said Cdre Ivo Värk, Commander, Estonian Navy
Veiko Kommusaar, head of the Police and Border Guard Board’s (PPA) border patrol unit, added that vessels without proper documentation have increasingly appeared in the Gulf of Finland over the past year, describing this trend as part of a broader “shadow fleet.”
As reported, preparations for the operation began on the evening of 10 April and the interception started at 3 a.m. on 11 April before the oil tanker entered Estonia’s exclusive economic zone. The vessel crossed into Estonian territorial waters at 4:19 a.m., moving west to east, on a voyage from Sikka, India, to Ust-Luga, likely while unladen.
The Transport Administration is currently reviewing the ship’s technical condition, insurance status, and crew documentation. There are 24 people on board, according to Värk.
