Belgium seizes suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker

try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry $100+ oil back in play if Hormuz disruption worsens: analysts Trump warns Iran as new strikes follow Khamenei’s death Wait for a 10% drop in the S&P 500 before buying the dip, Barclays says U.S. dollar seen strengthening as U.S.-Israel strikes intensify (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) Belgium seizes suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker By Reuters Commodities Published 03/01/2026, 08:47 AM Updated 03/01/2026, 08:48 AM Belgium seizes suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker 0 CL 2.78% March 1 - Belgium seized an oil tanker belonging to the Russian shadow fleet on Sunday and suspected of sailing with a "false flag and false documents", Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said. Western sanctions imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine and aimed at cutting its oil revenues have led to the rise of a "shadow fleet" of tankers helping Moscow to keep its crude exports flowing. "Over the past few hours, our armed forces, with the support of the French Defence, have boarded an oil tanker belonging to the Russian shadow fleet," Francken said in a post on X early on Sunday. "The vessel is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized." A Belgian official said the seized vessel is named Ethera and is on the European Union’s sanctions list. The Russian embassy in Belgium said on Sunday it was not notified about the facts and reasons for the seizure of the oil tanker, adding that it was seeking information on whether any Russian nationals were on board. SHADOW FLEET FUELS CONCERN Moscow has previously called the seizure of its tankers or vessels carrying its cargoes an act of piracy. Shadow fleet vessels typically have opaque ownership structures and have raised concern about possible environmental risks, with poorly regulated, ageing tankers prone to spills, mechanical failures, and leaks, threatening marine ecosystems. They also usually sail without top-tier Western insurance or safety certi...