Estonia Detains Russian-Linked Tanker Over Safety and Sanction Violations

The 'Kiwala,' flagged as stateless and tied to Russia's shadow fleet, remains anchored in Muuga Bay following the discovery of 40 compliance issues.

Estonian authorities have detained the oil tanker 'Kiwala' due to 40 documented issues, including 23 related to paperwork and the rest to seaworthiness.
Officials have classified the tanker as stateless, with conflicting flag information indicating Djibouti, which the country denies.
The 'Kiwala' is confirmed to be on international sanctions lists from the EU, UK, Canada, and Switzerland, and was reportedly en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga.
Estonian officials allege the tanker is part of Russia's shadow fleet, a network used to evade sanctions and linked to hybrid threats in the Baltic region.
Authorities stress that allowing the vessel to continue its journey would pose significant risks to maritime safety and environmental security.