Germany’s customs authority seized a cargo of Russian oil and the tanker that has holding it, Der Spiegel reported, a move that risks further ratcheting tensions with Moscow.
The Panama-flagged oil tanker Eventin was carrying barrels from the Russian port of Ust-Luga when it suffered a power failure back in January and was towed to near the German coast. It has remained near German waters since then, vessel tracking shows.
Spiegel reported that the customs authority seized the Eventin on March 21 and issued a confiscation order which would allow Germany to take possession of the 100,000 tons of oil on board.
Germany’s Customs Criminal Investigation Office said in response to questions from Bloomberg that measures had not yet been legally concluded but that further voyages for the ship are prohibited. It noted that under certain articles of EU law, authorities can confiscate and dispose of items when customs obligations are not met.
“The responsible authorities are currently examining the next steps regarding the ship and its cargo,” it added.
If confirmed, the seizure would appear to mark the first time that a European Union nation took such a step since the invasion of Ukraine. Germany and other EU states have imposed multiple sanctions against Russian oil tankers and other entities to support Kyiv in the war.
Western states have repeatedly complained about the risk posed to the environment by the fleet of ships Moscow uses to carry its supplies, and have been tightening restrictions on those vessels.
When asked about the tanker, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had no information about the incident, state news agency Tass reported. “I don’t know who owns it and why it was seized, I simply have no data,” Peskov said, according to Tass.
The company listed as Eventin’s manager on the Equasis international marine database didn’t immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. That’s the only means listed for reaching the firm.
There is nothing to suggest Germany is considering repeating the step for other tankers holding Russian petroleum.
