March 4, 2026, 12:26 p.mMarch 4, 2026, 12:26 p.m
The tanker from the Russian shadow fleet arrested by Belgium has to pay a deposit of more than ten million euros.
Only when the deposit of 10,020,000 euros (around 9.12 million francs) has been paid and a new positive inspection confirms that the ship complies with the regulations will it be allowed to sail again, said Belgium’s Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden and Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke.
The Belgian army intercepting and searching the oil tanker “Ethera”.Image: keystone
A total of 45 violations were identified. According to the information, these are, among other things, forged certificates that are due to the fact that the tanker was flying a false Guinean flag. Technical deficiencies were also identified.
A new examination of the tanker “Ethera” will only be carried out if the shipowner or owner states that the tanker complies with all applicable regulations. The 21-person crew must remain on board until then.
The crew reportedly consists of a Russian captain, seven officers of Indian, Georgian and Indonesian origin and 13 other crew members from India. Belgium, with the support of France, detained the oil tanker at the weekend. He was escorted to the port of Zeebrugge.
EU warns of dangers from shadow fleet
The shadow fleet refers to tankers and other cargo ships that Russia uses to avoid sanctions, for example when transporting oil. France now estimates the size of the fleet at 1,000 to 1,200 ships, of which 650 to 700 are subject to sanctions.
The EU has long been warning that Shadow Fleet ships can be used as a platform for launching drones for jamming or espionage attacks. (hkl/sda/dpa)