Belgian armed forces, with support from France, boarded and seized an oil tanker linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet in the North Sea, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced late 29 February.
The “shadow fleet” is a network of tankers Russia uses to export oil while evading Western sanctions imposed after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These vessels typically hide ownership, sail under flags of convenience, switch off tracking systems, and use non-Western insurance to bypass EU and G7 price caps and restrictions.
"Operation Blue Intruder"
The vessel is being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be formally seized, Francken said. He described the mission, dubbed “Operation Blue Intruder,” as a success carried out by “exceptionally brave service members.”
“Without his shadow fleet [Vladimir] Putin can’t wage war against innocent Ukrainians,” Francken wrote on X. “So we take these vessels out. One by one. Till his war of aggression stops.”
He added that Belgium would take its responsibilities seriously and “show up” when it matters.
France and Belgium rally behind operation
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French Navy helicopters supported the boarding. He called the operation “a major blow to the shadow fleet,” saying Europeans are determined to cut off funding streams for Russia’s war against Ukraine by strictly enforcing sanctions.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever described the work of the armed forces as professional and decisive conduct. He said Belgium would uphold international maritime law and protect the security of its territorial waters.
Zelenskyy calls for broader European seizures
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the seizure, stating that the tanker had long been under US, EU, and UK sanctions but allegedly continued transporting Russian oil using a false flag and forged documents.
He called the vessel part of Moscow’s “floating purse” and urged Europe to modernize legislation so that sanctioned tankers are not only stopped but seized, with their cargo redirected to strengthen European security.
Broader crackdown on Russia's oil logistics
European governments have increased scrutiny of such vessels in recent months, citing both sanctions evasion and safety risks posed by aging tankers operating in busy maritime corridors. Enforcement actions have intensified as part of broader efforts to reduce the Kremlin’s energy revenues, a key source of funding for its war effort.
Further details about the seized tanker, including its ownership and cargo, are expected from Belgian authorities.
