The North Sea ministry stated that the vessel was linked to a Russian shadow fleet and had been operating under a false flag with forged documentation.
Officials reported identifying 45 violations, mainly involving fraudulent certificates after discovering the ship was sailing under a false Guinean flag.
The tanker will only be permitted to resume sailing once the bail is paid and a subsequent inspection verifies full compliance. This includes securing a legitimate flag state, obtaining valid certification, and addressing technical deficiencies.
Defence Minister Theo Francken said the government was taking decisive measures against vessels associated with the shadow fleet. He added that the move enforces European Union sanctions, safeguards the North Sea, and limits funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine have contributed to the emergence of a so-called shadow fleet, used to maintain crude oil exports despite restrictions.
Ethera is listed under European Union sanctions.
The Russian embassy in Belgium did not immediately respond to requests for comment, though Moscow has previously described the seizure of its tankers or vessels carrying Russian cargo as piracy.
Shadow fleet ships often have unclear ownership structures and have raised environmental concerns due to aging infrastructure and limited regulation, increasing the risk of spills, mechanical breakdowns, and leaks that could endanger marine ecosystems.
($1 = 0.8631 euros)
