Belgium Detains Sanctioned Tanker Ethera in North Sea Operation

Belgian forces, supported by French helicopters, boarded and detained the product tanker Ethera overnight in an operation dubbed “Blue Intruder.”

The 46,600-dwt tanker was intercepted off the Belgian coast while sailing from Morocco and reportedly “awaiting orders.” Authorities said the vessel was believed to be linked to Russia’s shadow oil trade.

Belgium stated the tanker was sailing under a false Guyana flag and directed it to Zeebrugge for inspection. The vessel, built in 2008, has been sanctioned by the UK, EU, and U.S. over its alleged involvement in sanctioned oil trades and links to a network associated with Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani.

Belgian officials described the detention as a necessary step against shadow fleet activity. The vessel remains under investigation and could face fines of up to €10 million. The 21 crew members remain onboard.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the operation a “major blow” to shadow fleet operations in European waters.

‍