Sanctioned Russian Tanker Enters English Channel Following Vessel Seizure

The Russian-flagged tanker Forwarder entered the English Channel on June 17, marking the first time a shadow fleet vessel has used the waterway since the United Kingdom seized the Smyrtos on June 14. The Government of the United Kingdom authorized the seizure of the Smyrtos by Royal Marines and the National Crime Agency because the ship was sailing without a registered flag. Ajay Pant, the captain of the Smyrtos, has since been charged with contravening sanctions and appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

The Forwarder departed from Primorsk, Russia, and is currently sailing toward Dongying port in China. The vessel was sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU in 2025. Tracking data shows the Royal Navy warship HMS Tyne is operating in the vicinity of the tanker.

This movement follows a brief period where sanctioned vessels avoided the English Channel and routed around Ireland to avoid interception. The Ministry of Defence reports that the shadow fleet currently carries 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil, which the Federal Government of Russia utilizes to bypass Western export restrictions.