In a significant joint operation, US forces with British support have captured a Russian-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic, as the UK government vows to target Moscow's so-called 'shadow fleet'. The dramatic seizure comes as two further vessels under US sanctions are tracked sailing east through the English Channel towards Russia, prompting speculation over whether they could be next.
The Atlantic Seizure: A Warning to Moscow's Shadow Fleet
US forces, supported by the British navy and air force, seized the Marinera oil tanker north-west of the British Isles on Wednesday afternoon. The operation culminated after a pursuit lasting two and a half weeks from the Caribbean. The vessel, previously named the Bella 1, was initially sailing towards Venezuela but fled north after its crew refused to allow the US Coast Guard to board. Despite changing its name and adopting a Russian registration during its flight, it was successfully intercepted.
Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs that the seizure was justified not only because the ship was falsely flagged, but because it was part of Russia's shadow fleet used to illicitly ship oil and "bankroll its illegal invasion of Ukraine". Healey revealed the Marinera had changed its flags "five times in five years", underscoring the deceptive practices of the fleet.
Sanctioned Vessels in the Channel: Will They Be Targeted?
The seizure has immediately raised questions about other Russian-linked tankers in UK waters. On Thursday, two oil tankers under US Treasury sanctions were observed sailing east through the English Channel, heading for Russian ports.
The Tia, now using the name Tiavan, is on a voyage from Turkey to a port on Russia's Gulf of Finland, with an expected arrival date of 13 January. According to Lloyd's List, this vessel has changed its name and country of registration several times; it was sanctioned as the 'Tia' for carrying crude oil from Venezuela in 2024, later becoming the 'Arcusat' before its current iteration.
The Aria, registered under the flag of Barbados, was recorded sailing between Plymouth and Jersey on Thursday evening, destined for the Ust-Luga commercial port in the eastern Baltic. The US Treasury lists it as sanctioned, noting its link to Russia's largest shipping company.
Government Stance and Future Actions
When asked about these specific vessels, the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on any potential plans for further seizures or provide a "running commentary on live maritime traffic websites". However, a spokesperson reiterated the government's hardline position, stating: "The defence secretary set out in parliament yesterday that deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government."
This statement, coupled with the successful seizure of the Marinera, creates a clear expectation that the UK, potentially with US assistance, is prepared to target other sanctioned tankers operating near its waters. The movement of the Aria and Tia through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes now presents a direct test of that resolve.
The coordinated Atlantic operation and the monitoring of vessels in the Channel mark a new phase in Western efforts to clamp down on the maritime networks financing the Kremlin's war effort, signalling that the shadow fleet's activities in and around UK waters are under intense scrutiny.
