In a dramatic high-seas operation, United States forces have seized a major sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic, culminating a two-week international chase and drawing furious accusations of piracy from Moscow. The vessel, the Marinera, was intercepted with British military support in waters northwest of Scotland on Wednesday 7th January 2026.
The Chase and Capture of a 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker
The operation targeted a key member of the so-called 'shadow fleet' of tankers used to transport oil in violation of international sanctions. The Marinera, sailing under a Russian flag, had earlier evaded a U.S. blockade near Venezuela and was reportedly being escorted by Russian naval vessels, raising the stakes for a potential confrontation.
After disappearing from tracking systems following a failed U.S. boarding attempt in the Caribbean in mid-December, the tanker reappeared heading across the Atlantic. It passed near UK waters, seemingly en route to the Russian port of Murmansk, when the seizure was executed. Britain's Ministry of Defence stated the ship had initially flown a false flag and was linked to illegal activity supporting Hezbollah.
British Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the UK's involvement, stating RAF surveillance aircraft and the naval supply ship RFA Tideforce supported the U.S. mission. He described the tanker as part of a "Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion" fuelling conflict and terrorism.
A Vessel with a Murky Past
The Marinera has a long and complex history of dodging sanctions. Originally built in 2002, it has sailed under multiple names and flags, including as the Bella 1, Yannis, and Xiao Zhu Shan. It was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for involvement in the Iranian oil trade during the Biden administration.
Measuring 333 metres long, the tanker was reportedly involved in transporting over 6 million barrels of Iranian oil last year, often conducting ship-to-ship transfers to hide the cargo's final destination. Following its evasion in December, it renamed itself Marinera and was granted a temporary permit to sail under the Russian flag on Christmas Eve.
Russian Outcry and Precedent for Seizures
Russia reacted swiftly and angrily to the seizure. Moscow's Transport Ministry declared it a violation of maritime law, with a senior lawmaker branding it "outright piracy". Russia has demanded the U.S. ensure the humane treatment and swift return of the Russian crew members.
This marks the third oil tanker seized by the U.S. in its recent campaign targeting Venezuelan oil revenues. Just days earlier, U.S. forces captured another sanctioned vessel, the M/T Sophia, in international waters. The seizure of the Marinera represents a significant escalation in efforts to enforce oil sanctions globally, directly challenging Russian attempts to provide protective cover to such vessels.
