Belgium Seizes Russian Tanker in North Sea Operation

March 1, 2026

This screen grab from a handout video released by the Etat Major Des Armees (The French Defense Staff) on March 1, 2026 and taken during the night of February 28, 2026 shows an operation by the Belgium and French army on the oil tanker Ethera, part of the "shadow fleet" Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, near the Belgian coasts. The tanker flew the flag of Guinea, but an on-board inspection confirmed suspicion that it was sailing under a false flag, Belgian prosecutors said. French President confirmed on X that French naval forces assisted in the operation, calling it a "major blow" to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet". (Photo by Handout / Etat Major des Armées / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / ETAT MAJOR DES ARMEES (THE FRENCH DEFENSE STAFF) " - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Special forces from Belgium boarded and seized an oil tanker allegedly linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in an overnight operation in the North Sea, authorities announced Sunday.

The vessel, identified by prosecutors as the Ethera, was intercepted in Belgium’s exclusive economic zone with aerial support from France. It was later escorted to the port of Zeebrugge.

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed the operation, while prosecutors said the ship was on its way back to Russia when it was stopped.

This screen grab from a handout video released by the Etat Major Des Armees (The French Defense Staff) on March 1, 2026 and taken during the night of February 28, 2026 shows an operation by the Belgium and French army on the oil tanker Ethera, part of the “shadow fleet” Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, near the Belgian coasts. fleet”. (Photo by Handout / Etat Major des Armées / AFP)

False Flag and Criminal Investigation

Although the tanker was flying the flag of Guinea, authorities said an onboard inspection confirmed suspicions it was operating under a false flag. Investigators reportedly found documents believed to be falsified.

“If a ship sails under a false flag, this means that it does not comply with several international regulations,” the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office said, adding that a criminal investigation has been opened.

The ship’s captain, a Russian national, is currently being questioned. Russia’s embassy in Belgium said it had not been officially notified of the detention and was seeking clarification on whether Russian citizens were on board.

Belgium said the operation was carried out in coordination with G7, Nordic and Baltic partners, with France providing air support using two NH90 helicopters.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the interception as a “major blow” to Russia’s shadow fleet. Footage posted online showed Belgian forces rappelling from helicopters to board the vessel.

The tanker was reportedly listed under European Union sanctions targeting vessels accused of transporting Russian oil in violation of restrictions imposed after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has relied on a fleet of ageing tankers with opaque ownership structures to circumvent Western sanctions and maintain crude exports — a network widely referred to as its “shadow fleet.”

The seizure follows previous interceptions by French forces, including the boarding of another suspected tanker earlier this year, as Western nations intensify efforts to enforce sanctions and curb Russia’s oil revenues.

Author

Toyibat Ajose

Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.