Belgian special forces seized the oil tanker Ethera (IMO 9387279), a 2007-built product tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, in Belgium’s exclusive economic zone in the North Sea during Operation Blue Intruder. The vessel, sailing under a false Guinean flag, was intercepted overnight on February 28, 2026, and escorted to Zeebrugge port for inspection.
Two French Navy NH90 helicopters inserted Belgian troops via fast-rope techniques onto the deck, as Belgian NH90s lack this capability and were positioned for potential fire support. Two Belgian Air Component NH90s and an MQ-9B drone provided additional airborne surveillance, supported by the Castor-class patrol vessel Pollux and fast boats. The operation involved coordination with G7, Nordic, Baltic partners, and direct French Navy assistance under UNCLOS to enforce maritime law.
Inspections uncovered 45 infractions, including technical defects and false documentation, confirming Ethera’s EU sanctions listing since October 2025 for transporting Russian-origin oil via high-risk practices like AIS manipulation and ship-to-ship transfers. The tanker, also sanctioned by the UK and US, faces a 10-million-euro bond for release. Its Russian captain and 20 crew—mostly Indian, with Georgian and Indonesian officers—remain aboard pending compliance.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated the action enforces EU sanctions against vessels funding Russia’s Ukraine war. French President Emmanuel Macron called it a major blow to the shadow fleet, which circumvents oil export restrictions through opaque ownership and aging hulls prone to failures.