By Charlotte Van Campenhout BRUSSELS, March 3 (Reuters) - Belgium has imposed a 10 million euro ($11.61 million) bail on Russian oil tanker Ethera, which it seized on Sunday, the government said on
Belgium Seizes Russian Oil Tanker Ethera, Imposes €10 Million Bail for Sanctions Breach
Belgium's Action Against Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker
By Charlotte Van Campenhout
BRUSSELS, March 3 (Reuters) - Belgium has imposed a 10 million euro ($11.61 million) bail on Russian oil tanker Ethera, which it seized on Sunday, the government said on Tuesday.
Details of the Seizure and Violations
The North Sea ministry said the tanker was part of a Russian shadow fleet sailing with a false flag and false documents.
Identified Violations
"Forty-five violations were identified. These mainly involved false certificates, stemming from the discovery that the ship was sailing under a false Guinean flag," it said in a statement.
Conditions for Release
The Ethera can sail again only after the sum is paid and a follow‑up inspection confirms compliance, including securing a flag state, obtaining valid certificates and fixing the technical issues.
Government Response and Sanctions Enforcement
"Our government is taking firm action against vessels in the shadow fleet. With this operation, we are enforcing EU sanctions, protecting the North Sea, and curbing the financing of Russia’s war in Ukraine," Defence Minister Theo Francken said.
Background on EU Sanctions
Western sanctions imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine and aimed at cutting its oil revenues have led to the rise of a "shadow fleet" of tankers helping Moscow to keep its crude exports flowing.
Ethera is on the European Union's sanctions list.
Reactions and Broader Concerns
Russian Response
The Russian embassy in Belgium did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but Moscow has previously called the seizure of its tankers or vessels carrying its cargoes an act of piracy.
Environmental and Regulatory Risks
Concerns Over Shadow Fleet Operations
Shadow fleet vessels typically have opaque ownership structures and have raised concern about possible environmental risks, with poorly regulated, ageing tankers prone to spills, mechanical failures, and leaks, threatening marine ecosystems.
($1 = 0.8631 euros)
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Susan Fenton and Tomasz Janowski)
