Overview
- The Marinera, seized by the United States after being reflagged from Bella-1, entered the Moray Firth to take on supplies under U.S. escort, according to the UK government.
- Ministers said Britain supported the U.S. operation and is ready to work with European partners on intercepting suspected shadow-fleet vessels.
- UK officials say a legal basis has been identified in some cases for military boarding of stateless or falsely flagged tankers in international shipping lanes.
- Tracking and media analyses report hundreds of sanctioned or Russia-linked vessels active worldwide, with at least 18 shadow tankers transiting the English Channel in recent days.
- Experts and European officials warn that aging tankers and the use of private armed guards increase safety, security and environmental risks during potential interdictions.