Estonian Navy detains Russian shadow fleet tanker

Estonia detained the oil tanker Kiwala, a vessel linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet, which is used to export crude oil and oil products to third countries, on the morning of 11 April. Source: ERR, an Estonian public broadcaster, citing Commodore Ivo Vark, Commander of the Estonian Navy, as reported by European Pravda Details: The operation began at 03:00 and involved a helicopter.

At 04:19, Kiwala entered Estonian waters. The MarineTraffic indicates that the vessel is currently east of Aegna Island, accompanied by two naval ships.

Commodore Vark stated that the detention was not related to threats against critical infrastructure. The tanker, which was under sanctions due to previous activity in the EU, was reportedly en route to Ust-Luga in Russia.

There are 24 people on board. The ship's captain is a Chinese national and is cooperating with the investigation. The Kiwala had been operating under the flag of Djibouti.

Ukrainian platform WarSanctions reported that the ship's owners and managers have frequently changed to conceal direct ties to Russia and obscure the identity of its real beneficiaries.

Background: 

• In late March, Germany replaced the crew of the shadow fleet tanker Eventin, detained earlier that month, and took full control of the vessel and its cargo.
• The EU is currently preparing its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, which may include additional restrictions targeting Russia's shadow fleet and its shipping routes through the Baltic Sea.

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