UK Yet to Seize Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers Over Cost, Legal Concerns

The UK has not detained a single Russian “shadow fleet” tanker despite pledges to crack down on the vessels, reportedly due to concerns over the high cost of maintaining them in British ports.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged last month to “go after” Russian tankers flying false flags. Under his plans, the vessels can be boarded by special forces and officers from the National Crime Agency. However, no such actions have been carried out.

According to The Times, disagreements within the government over where seized vessels would be held and which department would cover the costs have stalled enforcement. Officials fear expenses could reach tens of millions of pounds per tanker.

Britain has also raised legal and security concerns. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are said to have warned that seizures could create grounds for Russian-linked crews or mercenaries to seek asylum in the UK.

Western officials estimate Russia’s shadow fleet includes about 700 vessels and accounts for roughly 40% of its oil exports, helping Moscow bypass international sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine.

While the UK has supported allied efforts, including assisting a US operation earlier this year to seize a tanker, it has so far avoided leading such actions. Recent incidents, including sanctioned tankers transiting the English Channel under Russian naval escort, demonstrated the challenges of enforcement.

Other Topics of Interest

Swedish Court Seizes Russian-Linked Vessel Over Suspected Theft of Ukrainian Grain

A Swedish court has approved the arrest of the cargo vessel Caffa, marking the first-ever seizure of a ship by a foreign court at Ukraine’s request over the alleged illegal export of Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied territory. Ukrainian prosecutors say the vessel repeatedly entered ports in occupied Ukrainian territory, violating Ukrainian law, while using a false registration and a “Guinea False” identity to disguise its activities.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday, April 19, that the continued weakening of sanctions against Russia misrepresents the reality of the war and provides Moscow with the resources to escalate its aggression.

“Every dollar for oil from Russia is money for war,” Zelensky wrote on social media after the US extended sanctions waiver for Russian oil despite pledges not to do so earlier.

He said more than 110 tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet are currently at sea, carrying over 12 million tons of oil. Due to recent sanctions relief, this oil – valued at approximately $10 billion – can “again be sold without consequences,” providing a direct financial resource for new strikes against Ukraine.

Zelensky said Ukraine’s long-range strikes would continue to target Russia’s oil exports, with strikes on Russian oil terminals – particularly those on Baltic ports – having reached a near-daily frequency ahead of last week’s Easter ceasefire.