LONDON, United Kingdom — British armed forces have intercepted a Russian-linked oil tanker suspected of operating within Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” in a major sanctions enforcement operation in the English Channel, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Sunday.
The six-hour operation involved Royal Marine Commandos, National Crime Agency officers, and Royal Air Force assets, culminating in the boarding of the tanker Smyrtos, which is now being held and monitored off England’s southern coast pending further investigations.
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the operation forms part of broader efforts to disrupt Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine.
“This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide,” Starmer said.
According to the MoD, Russia relies heavily on a network of more than 700 vessels commonly referred to as the “shadow fleet” to transport oil while avoiding Western sanctions. British authorities estimate the fleet carries about 75 per cent of Russia’s sanctioned oil exports, providing a critical source of revenue for the Kremlin.
The interception follows measures announced by the British government earlier this year, granting armed forces expanded authority to board sanctioned vessels passing through UK waters. London has already imposed sanctions on more than 500 vessels linked to Russia’s energy trade.
Under the sanctions regime, affected ships are prohibited from entering British ports, while UK-based firms and individuals are barred from providing financial, insurance, or brokerage services related to the transport of Russian oil.
The operation involved extensive military coordination, including support from Maritime Air Group aircraft, an RAF P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, HMS Sutherland, and HMS Ledbury. The MoD said the mission was conducted in close cooperation with French authorities.
Marine tracking data showed that the Smyrtos, which sails under a Cameroon flag, remained anchored in the English Channel following the interception.
Attorney General Richard Hermer said the government was determined to pursue vessels assisting Russia’s sanctions evasion efforts.
“This government made clear that we would pursue Russia’s shadow fleet under the full force of international law,” Hermer said.
The development comes amid growing Western efforts to restrict Russian oil revenues, which European governments and allies argue are helping finance Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.
The operation also builds on recent Anglo-French cooperation against sanctioned vessels. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed earlier this month that French authorities intercepted a tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet with support from the United Kingdom, including assistance from a British military helicopter.
