UK intercepts Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in English Channel

The United Kingdom has successfully intercepted a tanker believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" in the English Channel. The operation, which lasted six hours, involved multiple aircraft, including Chinook helicopters, and naval vessels like the HMS Sutherland. The tanker, identified as SMYRTOS, was seized early on June 14 and will be moved to a southern English port for monitoring.

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This is the first interception operation of a suspected "shadow fleet" vessel carried out by the UK.

This marks the first such interception by the UK. Maritime tracking data indicates the SMYRTOS departed Russia's Ust-Luga port on June 5, heading for Port Said, Egypt. British Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the operation was conducted in close coordination with France. He accused Russia of using these shadow fleets to finance its conflict in Ukraine.

The UK has previously sanctioned hundreds of vessels suspected of being part of the shadow fleet. These older tankers often disable their navigation systems and operate with unclear documentation and insurance, allegedly to evade Western sanctions. They are prohibited from accessing British ports and services.

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the operation was carried out in close coordination with France

In March, the UK government authorized its armed forces to seize shadow fleet vessels passing through its waters. This move followed Washington's easing of restrictions on Russian oil to stabilize prices, which had surged due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. France, Belgium, Finland, and other European nations have also recently intercepted suspected shadow fleet tankers.

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accused Russia of using shadow fleets to finance the conflict in Ukraine