Germany Seizes Russian Tanker Carrying €40 Million Worth of Oil

German authorities have officially seized the tanker Eventin, which is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” an operation designed to evade international sanctions on oil exports. The Panamanian-registered vessel was found adrift off the Baltic Sea island of Rügen in early January, prompting German maritime authorities to intervene and secure the tanker along with its cargo of 100 tons of oil, valued at approximately €40 million. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first such seizure of its kind in Germany.

The incident involving the Eventin began on January 10, when the vessel, en route from the Russian port of Ust-Luga to Egypt, experienced engine failure and lost propulsion. In response, Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) dispatched three tugboats that successfully towed the tanker to a safe zone near the port of Sassnitz on Rügen within 22 hours. Although several overflights reported no oil leaks, authorities deemed the vessel a potential environmental and security threat.

Upon further investigation, it became evident that the Eventin was part of a Russian operation aimed at circumventing Western sanctions imposed following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. As a result, the tanker was placed under customs control, with plans to pump out the oil and sell it on the international market. The ship, built in 2006 and reportedly in poor technical condition, is expected to be sold for scrap metal.