Belgium has imposed a €10,020,000 (approximately $11 million) fine on the sanctioned tanker Ethera and confirmed the vessel will remain detained in Zeebrugge until the penalty is paid and all safety and registration deficiencies are corrected.
The 46,600 dwt product tanker was intercepted overnight on February 28 in a coordinated operation, involving 93 Belgian soldiers and support from French helicopters. The vessel was sailing in ballast from Morocco to Russia and claimed to be registered in Guyana, but Belgian authorities determined it was operating under a false flag and without valid certification. The ship was ordered into the port of Zeebrugge for further investigation.
During a press briefing on March 3, Belgian officials reported that inspectors identified 45 deficiencies, including significant technical and safety violations.
According to Belgium’s defence and justice authorities, the tanker lacks a valid flag state and proper statutory certificates. The vessel will not be permitted to depart until the owner secures legitimate registration, completes required corrective measures, and passes a follow-up inspection confirming compliance with international maritime safety standards.
There are 21 crewmembers onboard: a Russian captain, seven officers – three from India, three from Georgia, and one from Indonesia, and 13 seafarers from India. The crew has been instructed to remain aboard while the vessel remains under detention.
The detention forms part of Belgium’s broader enforcement of European sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The tanker has been under U.S., UK and EU sanctions for alleged involvement in transporting Russian oil. U.S. authorities previously linked the vessel’s operator to a network associated with Iranian interests.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said the action was necessary to enforce sanctions and safeguard North Sea security. Officials emphasized that the duration of the detention will depend entirely on the owner’s ability to resolve the legal, financial and safety issues identified during inspection.
