Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs
German customs officials have confiscated a tanker carrying 100,000 tons of oil, which they claim is a part of Russia’s sanctions-busting “shadow fleet,” weekly news magazine Der Spiegel reported Friday, citing anonymous sources.
The Panama-flagged vessel Eventin was traveling from the Russian port of Ust-Luga through the Baltic Sea to Egypt when its engine failed and it lost the ability to maneuver.
On Jan. 12, three German rescue vessels escorted the Eventin to the waters near the island of Ruegen, off the coast of Sassnitz.
The ship has been listed by the EU as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” since the end of February.
Germany officially took ownership of the Eventin after the General Customs Directorate issued a confiscation notice last Friday, according to Der Spiegel.
Berlin believes the “unusually harsh” move is a sign to Moscow that Germany is “not idly watching” Russian oil transiting through the Baltic Sea, the publication added.
news
EU Slaps Fresh Sanctions on Russia, Targeting Aluminum and ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships
Read more
German authorities are now reportedly figuring out how to safely pump out the ship’s crude oil, as well as what to do with the vessel itself.
Germany’s Finance Ministry declined to comment on the reported confiscation due to “ongoing customs measures or the given security policy situation,” Der Spiegel said.
Following the January incident, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock slammed Russia for “endangering European security not only with its war of aggression against Ukraine but also with decrepit tankers.”
Russia has relied on tankers with opaque ownership and without proper insurance to continue its oil exports after Western nations hit the country’s oil industry with an embargo and a service ban in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today? Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy.
