The United Kingdom has signaled its intention to seize a Russia-linked oil tanker, marking a significant escalation in tensions between London and Moscow over what authorities describe as “shadow fleets” used to circumvent international sanctions. The move, confirmed by British defence sources, comes amid increasing Western efforts to disrupt Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through continued oil exports.
Military options for capturing a vessel have been discussed among NATO allies, according to reports in The Guardian. This development follows a recent joint operation between the UK and the United States that resulted in the seizure of the Marinera, a Russian-flagged tanker previously known as Bella-1, in the North Atlantic. The Marinera had initially been linked to Venezuela and was traveling between Iceland and Scotland when it was intercepted.
Defence sources indicated that further seizure operations were under consideration shortly after the Marinera incident, with the Special Boats Service (SBS) identified as the likely unit to carry out any raids. While no specific timeframe was initially given, the latest announcement suggests a heightened readiness to take direct action against vessels suspected of facilitating Russian oil trade.
Officials have reportedly identified legal justification for these actions under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2018), which empowers British authorities to raid and detain oil tankers suspected of violating sanctions. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has maintained its longstanding policy of not commenting on the activities of special forces.
The escalation comes after a recent operation by the French navy, working with intelligence provided by the UK, intercepted an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea that had originated from Russia. This incident highlights the coordinated international effort to target vessels involved in the shadow fleet network.
The increasing use of shadow fleets – vessels operating under false flags or with obscured ownership – has become a key concern for Western governments seeking to enforce sanctions against Russia. These fleets allow Moscow to continue exporting oil, a crucial source of revenue, despite restrictions imposed by the US, the EU, and other nations. Maritime law requires ships to be registered to a specific country and display its flag; vessels failing to do so can be considered stateless, potentially opening them up to seizure.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, as of January, 23 shadow fleet ships using false or fraudulent flags were detected in the Channel or Baltic Sea. Many of these vessels are believed to be involved in the export of Russian oil, primarily to China, India, and Turkey. A joint statement issued late last month by the UK, Germany, France, and other NATO countries bordering the Baltic and North seas emphasized the need for all vessels operating in those regions to “strictly comply with applicable international law.”
Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, explained that the Royal Navy has the legal authority to challenge numerous ships under maritime law due to their stateless status. However, he noted that no seizures have occurred despite this capability, likely due to the inherent “escalatory risks” involved.
The situation is further complicated by concerns about potential retaliation from Russia. Reports from , in The Times indicated that Moscow warned of rising “military and political tensions” following the seizure of the Marinera, raising fears of reprisals against British-flagged vessels. A number of Russian “zombie” ships – vessels sailing under false identities – were observed traversing the English Channel shortly after the Marinera was intercepted, including one sanctioned in 2024 for its alleged involvement in distributing illicit Russian oil.
Security and shipping industry sources suggest that Russia is actively considering countermeasures, potentially targeting US and UK oil tankers, according to reports from The Defense News. This raises the prospect of a broader conflict at sea, impacting global energy markets and maritime security.
The UK’s support for the US seizure of the Marinera, and now the threat of independent action, underscores the commitment of the UK-US alliance to maintaining global security and enforcing sanctions against Russia. Defence Secretary John Healey previously stated that the Marinera was part of a “Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.”
The interception of vessels like the Marinera and the recent French navy operation demonstrate a growing international resolve to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet network. However, the potential for escalation and retaliation remains a significant concern, requiring careful diplomatic maneuvering and a continued commitment to maritime security in key European sea lanes.
