Source link : https://london-news.net/estonia-makes-historic-move-detains-russian-linked-tanker-in-bid-against-shadow-fleet-operations/
Estonia has apprehended a tanker associated with Russia, marking the first maritime operation by the Baltic nation aimed at the so-called “shadow fleet,” which is engaged in transporting Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions, according to the Postimees news outlet.
The ship was intercepted on Friday morning near Aegna Island in Muuga Bay while navigating through Estonian territorial waters on its way to the Russian port of Ust-Luga.
Estonian authorities halted the tanker to inspect its documentation and legal standing, as stated by Ivo Värk, the commander of the Estonian Navy, during a press briefing.
The tanker, known as the Kiwala, was reportedly sailing under the Djibouti flag, based on information from the vessel-tracking service MarineTraffic. However, at the time of its detention, it was not displaying a national flag, constituting a breach of maritime regulations. Although the crew later provided a flag certificate, an official from Djibouti’s maritime authority denied that the vessel is registered under their flag.
Currently, the Estonian transportation officials are examining the vessel’s structure and assessing its paperwork to determine that it does not pose a risk to maritime safety, as reported by Postimees. The Kiwala is now being monitored by three Estonian naval ships.
Veiko Kommusaar, the deputy chief of Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board, confirmed that the tanker is under EU sanctions. It has also been sanctioned by the United…
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Publish date : 2025-04-15 17:55:00
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