Concerns Over Dark Fleet Ships Heightened by Seizure of Russian-linked Tanker

The recent takeover of a Russian-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic has raised “concerns” among NATO and Nordic and Baltic nations regarding the types of vessels and crews involved in what is being called the Dark Fleet, according to maritime intelligence analyst Michel Wiese Bockmann.

U.S. military and Coast Guard personnel boarded the Marinella on Wednesday while it was operating between Iceland and the United Kingdom. The vessel was reportedly using deceptive shipping practices, including flying false flags and breaching sanctions.

Russian officials have since called for humane treatment and the return of the crew members, highlighting a growing diplomatic tension. Bockmann also mentioned that the ship’s ownership was recently transferred to a Russian entity, Brevest Marine LLC.

Treasury’s Actions Against Oil Traders

Bockmann expressed uncertainty about the condition of the Russian sailors aboard. “Such a lack of clarity is common on Dark Fleet tankers,” she added, indicating ongoing concerns surrounding these operations. Ownership of the Marinella has indeed shifted to a new Russian company.

Additionally, Bockmann pointed out that there are worries among NATO and numerous Nordic and Baltic governments regarding unauthorized personnel, including armed guards, on sanctioned oil tankers. This is a bit unusual, she noted, as armed guards are not typically present unless the ships are in higher-risk zones like the Gulf of Aden.

U.S. Response and Global Monitoring

Following the seizure, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt dismissed Russia’s calls for special treatment for the crew. She stated, “This was a shadow fleet from Venezuela transporting sanctioned oil.” As a result, the Marinella is considered stateless because it was flying a false flag, and a judicial order has been issued placing the crew at risk of prosecution.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry indicated it is “closely monitoring” the situation, as confirmed by state news outlets.

Accountability Among Crews

Bockmann shed light on the multinational nature of Dark Fleet crews, commonly involving a Russian captain alongside crew members from countries such as China, India, or the Philippines. She highlighted that a blurred presence of commercial and military vessels surrounds this Dark Fleet, which has become more apparent over the past six to seven months.

European authorities have begun holding crew members accountable for unsafe transport practices like identity theft. She mentioned, “The EU recently sanctioned a tanker captain who disobeyed an inspection order, and France indicted another captain for similar misconduct.”

There’s also news of a second vessel, the M. Sofia, having been boarded near the Caribbean Sea as it headed for Venezuela. Concerns are mounting, and eyes are on governmental responses as this situation evolves.