The Eventin, a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker connected to Russia's shadow fleet, faces rescue efforts after losing power in the Baltic Sea. German officials accuse Moscow of jeopardizing European security through circumvention of sanctions while the U.S., U.K., and EU strengthen measures against Russian oil exports.
German Authorities Target Russian Shadow Fleet Amid Baltic Sea Incident
German Authorities Target Russian Shadow Fleet Amid Baltic Sea Incident
Germany’s maritime rescue operation centers on a stranded Russian-linked tanker, amplifying concerns over sanctions evasion.
German maritime authorities are currently engaged in a major rescue operation involving the Eventin, an oil tanker flagged in Panama but linked to Russia's notorious "shadow fleet." This vessel has been stranded in the Baltic Sea after losing both power and steering, prompting the deployment of tugboats to secure it. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has placed blame squarely on Russia, claiming that President Vladimir Putin is evading sanctions and endangering European security by "ruthlessly deploying a fleet of rusty tankers."
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S., U.K., and EU have imposed stringent sanctions on Russia's oil industry. The CCME (Central Command for Maritime Emergencies) disclosed that the Eventin measures 274 meters in length, carries roughly 99,000 tonnes of oil, and was drifting at a low speed in coastal German waters near Rügen Island. In a notable display of swift action, a four-person specialist team was airlifted onto the vessel Friday night to establish towing connections, which have since been secured by three tugboats.
As of late Saturday, the rescue convoy was slowly making its way to Sassnitz, a town on the island of Rügen, with no oil leaks reported. Maritime authorities noted that safety measures have been put in place due to adverse weather conditions, including up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) high waves and increasing wind gusts.
Despite the Eventin's Panamanian flag, German officials are adamant that it is tied to Russia. Baerbock emphasized that Moscow is endangering European security not just through military aggression but also via tactics like severing undersea cables and using questionable tankers. The European Union has expressed intentions to implement further sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, which jeopardizes both security and environmental safety.
As sanctions tighten around Russia's oil sector, efforts are underway to directly sanction Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, hampering the Kremlin’s ability to fund its military actions. The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned 183 vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet, illustrating the West's relentless campaign against Russia's circumvention strategies in the oil market.
