Belgian authorities have imposed a 10.02 million euro bond on the oil tanker Ethera, which is linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, after the vessel was boarded by Belgian and French forces on Sunday. The move comes as international scrutiny intensifies over efforts to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
The Ethera remains under judicial seizure in the port of Zeebrugge and will not be allowed to depart until the bond is paid and a re-inspection confirms the ship is in compliance with regulations, officials said. The crew is currently prohibited from leaving the vessel or entering Belgian territory.
The boarding of the Ethera, dubbed “Operation Blue Intruder,” took place overnight Saturday into Sunday. Inspectors from the Directorate-General for Shipping of the Federal Public Service Mobility immediately identified sufficient violations to divert the ship to Zeebrugge, according to a statement. Further inspections in the port revealed a total of 45 infractions.
Most of the violations relate to false certificates, as the ship was sailing under a false Guinean flag. Technical deficiencies were also discovered. The Federal Maritime Police also conducted checks on board, identifying the 21 crew members as consisting of one Russian captain, seven officers (of Indian, Georgian and Indonesian nationality), and 13 other crew members, all of Indian origin.
The ship is subject to a “prohibition of passenger transport,” meaning the crew must remain on board and are not permitted to enter Belgian territory. The ship’s owner or operator is responsible for the welfare and provisioning of the crew during this period.
The initial boarding operation was conducted with assistance from France, according to Minister of Defense Theo Francken. Dutch news outlet NOS reported that ship documents found after the boarding were suspected to be falsified. Vessels operating under false flags can face penalties, as they are not subject to environmental and safety controls.
According to early reports, the Ethera was believed to be returning to Russia. RTL News reported that French President Emmanuel Macron shared footage of the boarding operation. Premier Bart De Wever thanked the armed forces and French partners for their support, stating, “Belgium will always uphold international maritime law and resolutely respond to any violation of the safety of its territorial waters.”
The development underscores the increasing efforts by European nations to enforce sanctions against Russia and disrupt its ability to transport oil and other resources through shadow fleets. France previously seized a tanker from the Russian shadow fleet in January.
VRT News reported the bond was set at 10,020,000 euros.
