United Kingdom Readies Forceful Interceptions of Shadow Fleet Tankers

The United Kingdom is preparing to forcefully intercept so-called “shadow fleet” tankers used to transport oil in circumvention of international sanctions.

BBC News is reported.

The British government has established a legal mechanism allowing the military to stop, search, and detain sanctioned vessels on the high seas. The plan relies on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, which permits the use of military force if necessary.

These measures primarily target tankers linked to Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. Such vessels often operate without a valid national flag, effectively leaving them without legal protection in international waters.

Last week, British forces took part in the seizure of the Marinera tanker, suspected by the US of transporting oil for sanctioned regimes. The operation took place in the North Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland, and involved Royal Air Force reconnaissance aircraft and a Royal Navy support vessel.

Although the British military has not yet conducted any boardings, the government has been preparing for weeks to move from surveillance to active operations at sea. The new approach allows action against any sanctioned vessel operating without a legitimate flag.

According to London, the UK has already imposed sanctions on more than 500 vessels in the “shadow fleet,” forcing around 200 of them to cease operations.

Defence Minister John Healy said that the United Kingdom’s actions are “fully consistent with international law” and that London will not allow hostile activity on the high seas to escalate.

Meanwhile, the US has seized five “shadow fleet” tankers in recent weeks, increasing pressure on illegal oil shipments. The British government considers dismantling the fleet’s logistics as a key tool to exert economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

Earlier, it was reported that the US detained the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean near Trinidad. The vessel is linked to the export of Russian oil in circumvention of international sanctions.

As a reminder, near the coast of the Turkish province of Kastamonu, a drone attacked the Elbus oil tanker, which was heading towards the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

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