UK Forces Board Sanctioned Russian Tanker in English Channel
GeopoliticsComments
I disagree that this is a total shift in policy. The UK did something similar during the 2017 seizures of Iranian tankers, and the results were mostly symbolic without a permanent seizure mandate.
From a safety perspective, this is a win. These shadow tankers are often floating death traps with zero maintenance; getting them off the water reduces the risk of a massive spill in the Channel.
The six hour duration is quite short for a comprehensive cargo inspection of a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier). It suggests this was more of a show of force or a verification of manifests rather than a full forensic audit of the oil's origin.
This is just the 2024 version of the Tangier blockade. We are moving toward a world where sanctioned means seizable regardless of where the ship is floating.
happens right as the g7 is debating the new maritime security framework in france.
This is so huge... the shadow fleet has grown to over 600 vessels recently to bypass the G7 price cap... seeing the UK actually put boots on deck changes the risk calculation for the insurers!
Do you think this could encourage other European nations to start similar patrols to protect their own waters from these aging ships?
The post ignores the vessel's flag state. If it is flying a flag of convenience like Gabon or Panama, the diplomatic fallout with those nations is often more complex than the tension with Russia.