Belgian army seized vessel M/T Ethera (IMO:9387279) in pos 51 42 48N, 002 37 52E on 01 Mar 2026; under Operation Blue Intruder with French support; 21 crew detained. Sailing under false flag; 45 violations found; Fine imposed. Vsl at port of Zeebrugge as of 31 Mar.
Vessel is sanctioned by Switzerland under Ukraine sanction regime.
Operation Blue Intruder is a March 2026 maritime interception mission where Belgian special forces boarded the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Ethera in the North Sea. Supported by the French Navy, the operation targeted vessels bypassing oil sanctions, resulting in the ship being escorted to Zeebrugge for investigation.
Key Details of Operation Blue Intruder (2026):
- Target: MT Ethera, a “shadow fleet” oil tanker, suspected of operating under a false flag and breaching Switzerland sanctions.
- Location: North Sea (Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone).
- Action: Belgian Special Operations Forces, supported by the patrol vessel Pollux and French NH90 helicopters, boarded and secured the tanker.
- Purpose: Enforce sanctions against Russia and ensure maritime security against illegal shipping practices.
- Collaboration: A joint mission between Belgian and French authorities.