The operation took place following a joint mission by Belgian and French forces. Special units boarded the oil tanker by helicopter. According to the Belgian Minister of Defense, the tanker was then escorted to Zeebrugge.
Dozens of military personnel were involved in the operation, which was named "Blue Intruder." Several helicopters were used, including aircraft from France. A Belgian patrol ship and a drone were also part of the mission.
Shadow Fleet
The tanker is linked to the Russian shadow fleet. This fleet consists of vessels that Western countries say are used to transport Russian oil despite international sanctions. In December, the European Union identified approximately six hundred ships as part of this fleet.
Promotion
The seizure fits within broader international efforts to limit Russia's oil exports. At the recent Munich Security Conference, allies of Ukraine discussed dismantling the shadow fleet. This included tracking owners behind foreign flags and increasing surveillance on suspicious ships.
In the United States, legislative proposals are ready to expand sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet. Senators from both parties have indicated these proposals will receive broad support. Discussions have also included boarding and seizing tankers if deemed necessary.
New Sanctions
European measures are also being tightened. A new sanctions package focuses on limiting maritime services for Russian oil tankers. It has been discussed that support from the G7 does not have to be an absolute condition for further steps.
According to U.S. senators and European policymakers, these measures aim to reduce Moscow’s income from oil exports. These revenues are seen as crucial for financing Russia’s war against Ukraine. With actions at sea, the approach is shifting from paper sanctions to active enforcement, according to them.