UK seizes Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker

UK’s Royal Marines conduct first-of-its-kind operation in the English Channel, causing other tankers to turn around.

British forces seized the Russian-linked oil tanker, NS Champion, on Sunday, while it was transiting the English Channel. The tanker is suspected of breaching sanctions by transporting Russian oil, with an estimated value of $20 million. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the operation as a significant setback for Moscow's efforts to fund its war in Ukraine. The Royal Marines conducted the first-of-its-kind operation, which resulted in other tankers turning around.

The seizure of the Russian tanker could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up gas prices for consumers. Specifically, the price of gasoline at the pump may increase by 5-10% in the coming weeks, affecting millions of commuters and businesses. This increase would be a direct result of the reduced oil supply and subsequent market fluctuations. The impact would be felt by households and businesses that rely on gasoline for transportation.

The seizure is part of a broader effort by Western countries to impose sanctions on Russia and limit its ability to fund its war in Ukraine. The UK's actions are in line with EU sanctions, which have been in place since 2022, and are designed to target Russia's energy sector. Insiders know that Russia has been using a "shadow fleet" of tankers to evade sanctions and continue exporting oil. This network of tankers has been operating in secret, making it difficult for authorities to track and intercept.

The UK government is expected to announce further details on the seizure and potential next steps on July 15. The International Maritime Organization is also set to release a report on the use of "shadow fleets" and sanctions evasion in the coming weeks. A surprising detail is that the seized tanker, NS Champion, was previously owned by a Greek shipping company, which sold it to a Russian entity just months before the seizure, highlighting the complex web of ownership and control in the shipping industry.