politics
After the detention of SMYRTOS, at least eleven tankers of the Russian 'shadow fleet' have passed through the English Channel, including vessels under British sanctions
Following the first-ever detention of a Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker by the UK in the English Channel, eleven tankers, identified by Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate as part of the 'shadow fleet,' have already passed through the strait. Three more such vessels are currently heading towards the English Channel. Among these tankers are vessels against which Great Britain has imposed sanctions; one such tanker was en route to the strait at the time of writing.
TL;DR
- The UK detained a sanctioned Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker, SMYRTOS, in the English Channel.
- At least eleven 'shadow fleet' tankers, some under British sanctions, have passed through the strait since the detention.
- Three more 'shadow fleet' tankers are currently heading towards the English Channel.
- Some tanker operators are now choosing to bypass Great Britain and Ireland via the Atlantic Ocean, opting for a longer route.
- The Russian frigate 'Admiral Grigorovich' has been reported to be escorting some 'shadow fleet' tankers transiting the English Channel.