In a significant joint operation, American forces with British assistance have captured a major Russian-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic, intensifying efforts to disrupt Moscow's clandestine oil trade. The move comes as two further vessels under US sanctions are tracked sailing east through the English Channel towards Russian ports, raising questions about further potential seizures.
Marinera Seizure: A Blow to Russia's Shadow Fleet
The Marinera oil tanker was intercepted and seized north-west of the British Isles on Wednesday following a pursuit lasting two and a half weeks from the Caribbean. The operation was conducted by US forces with support from the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament the action was justified as the vessel was not only falsely flagged but was a key part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to illicitly ship oil and "bankroll its illegal invasion of Ukraine."
Healey revealed the tanker, previously named the Bella 1, had attempted to evade capture. After its crew refused a US Coast Guard boarding request near Venezuela, the vessel fled north across the Atlantic, changing its name and adopting a Russian registration in a failed bid to avoid detention.
Sanctioned Vessels Aria and Tia Approach UK Waters
The seizure has cast a spotlight on other vessels linked to Russia's sanctions-evading network. Two oil tankers, the Aria and the Tia, were tracked sailing south of Britain on Thursday, heading east through the English Channel towards Russia. Their journey follows directly after the Marinera's capture, prompting speculation about whether the UK and US are prepared to target additional ships.
According to shipping data from Lloyd's List, the Tia—currently sailing under the name Tiavan—is en route from Turkey to a port on Russia's Gulf of Finland, with an estimated arrival date of 13 January. The US sanctioned the vessel under its previous name, Tia, in 2024 for carrying crude oil from Venezuela. It has since changed its name multiple times, also operating as Arcusat.
The Aria, registered under the flag of Barbados, was recorded sailing between Plymouth and Jersey on Thursday evening, bound for the Ust-Luga commercial port in the eastern Baltic. The US Treasury lists it as sanctioned, noting its links to Russia's largest shipping company.
Government Stance and Future Actions
When questioned about the presence of the sanctioned ships near UK waters, the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on specific plans for further seizures. A spokesperson stated they would not "give a running commentary on live maritime traffic websites." However, they reiterated the Defence Secretary's position, emphasising that "deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government."
This stance creates a clear expectation that the UK, potentially in concert with US allies, is actively monitoring and may be willing to intercept other Russian-linked tankers that have been sanctioned, particularly those operating in proximity to British territory. The coordinated seizure of the Marinera marks a bold escalation in the financial and logistical pressure being applied on Moscow's mechanisms for funding its war effort.
