German authorities have seized the Panama-flagged oil tanker Eventin and its cargo, estimated at €40 million, off the Baltic Sea coast. The vessel, carrying approximately 100,000 metric tons of crude oil from Russia, encountered mechanical failures in mid-January near the island of Rügen, leading to its tow to the port of Sassnitz to avert potential environmental hazards.
German customs officials have since issued a confiscation order for both the tanker and its cargo, citing the vessel’s association with Russia’s “shadow fleet” a network of aging ships allegedly used to circumvent international sanctions. The Eventin had been en route from Russia to Egypt before its detention.
The German finance ministry, overseeing customs operations, has refrained from detailed comments due to the sensitive security context but confirmed ongoing measures. The ministry’s spokesperson stated, “Customs measures are currently under way.”
This action underscores Germany’s commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting the shadow fleet’s attempts to bypass restrictions. The European Union had previously identified the Eventin as part of this clandestine network in February.
The seizure reflects broader European efforts to tighten enforcement of sanctions and address environmental and security risks posed by these unregulated vessels operating in European waters.
