UK Identifies Legal Powers to Detain Sanctioned ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tankers at Sea
UK ministers believe existing legislation gives the government legal authority to stop, board and detain oil tankers linked to so-called “shadow fleets” operating in and around UK waters, according to information understood by BBC News. These fleets are associated with countries such as Russia, Iran and Venezuela and are accused of using ships without valid national flags to evade international oil sanctions.
Officials have spent recent weeks examining legal options that would allow UK armed forces to intervene, even though no British military personnel have yet boarded any vessels. Ministers believe the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 provides a lawful basis to approve the use of military force against sanctioned ships that are not legitimately flagged. Plans are reportedly being developed to use these powers as part of a broader effort to intensify action against shadow fleet operations, although the timing of any direct UK intervention remains unclear.
The issue gained prominence last week when British forces supported a US-led operation against the oil tanker Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella 1. The tanker was seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, after American authorities alleged it was transporting oil linked to Venezuela, Russia and Iran in breach of US sanctions. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF surveillance aircraft and the Royal Navy support ship RFA Tideforce assisted the operation at the request of the United States.
Two oil tankers already under US sanctions were also reportedly observed sailing east through the English Channel towards Russia this week, highlighting ongoing concerns about sanctioned shipping movements close to UK waters. The UK has so far imposed sanctions on more than 500 vessels believed to be part of shadow fleets, which ministers say help finance hostile activities, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to the government, coordinated action by the UK and its allies has already forced around 200 ships out of operation, many of which were sailing without a legitimate flag.
Ship flagging is a legal requirement that allows vessels to operate internationally under the protection and jurisdiction of a specific state. UK officials believe the newly identified legal mechanism could apply to any sanctioned vessel operating without proper registration, a category that would have included the Marinera.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the recent operation was conducted “in full compliance with international law” and warned that the UK would not remain passive as unlawful activity increases at sea. Addressing Parliament, he said the government was stepping up action against shadow fleets, developing additional military options and strengthening cooperation with international partners. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson later confirmed that disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority, while declining to comment on specific operational plans.
The United States has also increased enforcement in recent weeks, seizing five tankers linked to shadow fleet activity. Meanwhile, UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said insurance checks on ships have been intensified, with more than 600 vessels stopped while sailing near the British Isles. Ships operating without legitimate flags typically lack insurance, raising the risk of severe environmental and financial consequences in the event of incidents such as major oil spills. However, Alexander declined to specify how many suspected shadow vessels have passed through UK waters, warning that releasing such information could benefit the Kremlin.
Source: BBC News
