Estonian naval forces have detained a sanctioned oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Baltic Sea, marking a significant enforcement action against vessels attempting to circumvent international sanctions.

At a Glance

• Estonia’s Defense Forces detained the oil tanker Kiwala near Aegna island in Estonia’s Muuga Bay
• The vessel was placed on the EU sanctions registry in February for transporting Russian oil using irregular practices
• The Kiwala was sailing with an invalid Djibouti flag and was headed to the Russian port of Ust-Luga
• The ship had 24 crew members, including a Chinese captain and 23 Mauritanian nationals
• This is Estonia’s first interception of a vessel linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet”

Shadow Fleet Tanker Detained in Baltic Waters

On April 11, Estonian naval forces intercepted and detained the oil tanker Kiwala in the Baltic Sea as part of ongoing efforts to enforce international sanctions against Russia. The vessel was stopped near Aegna island in Estonia’s Muuga Bay for document inspection and verification of its legal status. Estonian authorities deployed ships and helicopters during the operation, demonstrating the country’s commitment to maritime security and international law enforcement in the region.

The Kiwala, which had been sailing under what appeared to be a Djibouti flag, was found to have invalid documentation as the vessel does not appear in Djibouti’s registry. This discrepancy raised immediate concerns as proper flag registration is a fundamental requirement for international maritime operations. The tanker was transporting crude oil to the Russian port of Ust-Luga when Estonian forces intervened, marking the first time Estonia has intercepted a vessel connected to what officials refer to as Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Sanctions Violations and Legal Status

The European Union placed the Kiwala on its sanctions registry in February specifically for transporting Russian oil using irregular and high-risk practices. These practices are characteristic of vessels within the “shadow fleet” – ships that operate with minimal safety standards and documentation to help circumvent international sanctions against Russia. The detention represents a direct enforcement of these sanctions, which were implemented following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

“It’s no secret that over the past year, a number of ships have been operating in the Gulf of Finland without proper documentation.”, said Veiko Kommusaar.

The crew composition of the Kiwala further highlights the international nature of these operations, with a Chinese captain and 23 crew members from Mauritania. Estonian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation while the vessel remains detained. Officials are also in communication with Djibouti to confirm the status of the flag certificate presented by the ship’s captain, which appears to be invalid or fraudulently obtained.

Broader Maritime Security Concerns

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has emphasized the nation’s serious stance on suspicious activities in the Baltic Sea, signaling that this detention is part of a broader strategy to maintain security in regional waters. The interception comes amid heightened concerns about the activities of Russia’s “shadow fleet” in European waters, with Estonian officials noting that numerous vessels operating in the Gulf of Finland lack proper documentation, indicating a pattern of sanctions evasion.

In a separate but related incident, German authorities recently secured the Panama-flagged oil tanker Eventin after it was found adrift off Germany’s Baltic coast. That vessel was carrying approximately 99,000 metric tons of oil from Russia and was en route to Egypt when it experienced difficulties. While the circumstances differ from the Kiwala case, both incidents highlight the increased scrutiny of vessels transporting Russian oil through European waters as nations work to enforce sanctions and maintain maritime security standards.