The UK government has confirmed it provided direct support to a United States-led operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, describing the vessel as a key part of the "shadow fleet" financing Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Operation in the North Atlantic
On Wednesday 7 January 2026, US forces, with UK assistance, captured the tanker Marinera as it navigated the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The ship, previously named the Bella 1 and linked to Venezuela, was designated a stateless vessel under international law after it turned off its transponders.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander stated on Thursday 8 January that the UK was "absolutely willing to step up" when requested by Washington. He emphasised that confronting Russian sanction-busting was firmly in the "national interest" of the United Kingdom.
UK Military Support for the Mission
The UK's contribution to the high-seas operation was significant. The Royal Air Force deployed surveillance aircraft, and the naval supply ship RFA Tideforce was dispatched to the area to provide support. Furthermore, US special operations aircraft involved in the mission were permitted to land and refuel at Wick John O'Groats Airport in the Scottish Highlands.
However, Defence Secretary John Healey clarified to MPs that while the UK provided critical logistical and basing support, no British personnel physically boarded the seized vessel.
A Blow to Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'
Minister Alexander left no doubt about the purpose of the targeted ship. "This ship is part of the shadow fleet that funds Russia's war effort in Ukraine," he declared during an interview with BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme. He framed the action as part of a broader effort to disrupt the channels financing President Vladimir Putin's military machine.
The US European Command publicly thanked the UK for its "unwavering support" following the successful seizure. Alexander asserted that it is "right and reasonable" for the UK to work with allies like the US to tackle systematic sanctions evasion, which perpetuates the conflict.
"What we saw in the North Atlantic yesterday was just one of the practical actions being taken," Alexander concluded, signalling that further collaborative measures to enforce sanctions and limit Russian war funding can be expected.
