Belgian authorities have seized an oil tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” accusing the vessel of operating under false registration and documentation in violation of international sanctions.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said on Sunday that the country’s armed forces, supported by French defence personnel, boarded the tanker during an operation carried out earlier in the day.
The ship is now being escorted to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, where it will remain under seizure as investigations continue.
According to Belgian officials, the vessel identified as Ethera appears on the European Union’s sanctions list targeting ships believed to be helping Russia circumvent restrictions on oil exports imposed after its invasion of Ukraine.
Francken said preliminary findings suggested the tanker had been sailing under a “false flag” and carrying falsified documents.
Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office confirmed that inspectors discovered evidence supporting those suspicions during an onboard search, prompting authorities to open a criminal investigation and order the ship diverted into Belgian territorial waters.
The Russian embassy in Belgium said it had not received official notification regarding the seizure and was seeking clarification, including whether any Russian nationals were among the crew.
Western sanctions designed to limit Moscow’s oil revenues have contributed to the emergence of a network of ageing tankers often described as a shadow fleet.
These vessels typically operate through complex ownership structures and frequently lack recognized Western insurance or safety certification.
Shipping and insurance industry sources warn that such ships pose significant environmental risks, as poorly regulated tankers are more vulnerable to mechanical failures, oil leaks, and maritime accidents that could threaten marine ecosystems.
Russia has previously condemned similar seizures of vessels carrying its oil, describing them as acts of piracy.
Francken defended Belgium’s actions, arguing that disrupting the shadow fleet is necessary to weaken Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.
“Without this shadow fleet, Russia cannot sustain its aggression,” he said, adding that Belgium intends to continue enforcing sanctions rigorously.
Ukraine welcomed the move, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urging international partners to adopt similar measures to counter sanctions evasion and increase pressure on Moscow.
The incident underscores growing European efforts to clamp down on alternative shipping networks that have allowed Russian crude exports to continue despite sweeping Western restrictions.
