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Friday, Jan 09, 2026
Outside the box.
UK Confirms Support for US Seizure of Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker in North Atlantic
London says British forces provided surveillance and logistical assistance to a US operation against a tanker linked to sanctions-evasion networks
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that British forces provided support to a United States operation that seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on January seven.
The vessel, originally known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, was intercepted by US forces after a pursuit of more than two weeks as part of Washington’s effort to disrupt global sanctions-evasion networks associated with Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil exports.
The UK’s involvement included Royal Air Force aerial surveillance, logistic basing and support from a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel.
Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament that the action formed part of “global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting” and showcased the depth of the defence relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.
He emphasised that British support was provided in compliance with international law and was designed to reinforce multilateral enforcement of existing sanctions regimes.
The UK did not deploy personnel to board the vessel but offered enabling support at the request of its closest defence partner.
The Marinera, which had repeatedly changed its identity and registration in attempts to avoid detection, was subject to US sanctions due to its links to networks that have transported Iranian and Venezuelan oil in violation of US measures.
British officials underscored that tackling such “shadow fleet” activity was critical to countering illicit revenue streams that fund destabilising activities and undermine the efficacy of international sanctions.
The operation occurred in waters between Greenland, Iceland and the British Isles, and was executed under a US federal court warrant that authorised the seizure.
Russia condemned the seizure, describing it as unlawful and accusing the United States of “piracy,” and called on Washington to repatriate Russian crew members.
Western officials have defended the legality of the mission, saying that the tanker’s status as stateless at certain points during its voyage provided a basis for lawful interdiction.
The incident underscores growing tensions over enforcement of sanctions regimes and the strategic importance of maritime operations in countering illicit trade.
British support for the mission reflects a commitment to coordinated action with international partners on security and sanctions enforcement, even as legal and diplomatic debates unfold around the broader implications of the seizure.
The vessel, originally known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, was intercepted by US forces after a pursuit of more than two weeks as part of Washington’s effort to disrupt global sanctions-evasion networks associated with Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil exports.
The UK’s involvement included Royal Air Force aerial surveillance, logistic basing and support from a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel.
Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament that the action formed part of “global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting” and showcased the depth of the defence relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.
He emphasised that British support was provided in compliance with international law and was designed to reinforce multilateral enforcement of existing sanctions regimes.
The UK did not deploy personnel to board the vessel but offered enabling support at the request of its closest defence partner.
The Marinera, which had repeatedly changed its identity and registration in attempts to avoid detection, was subject to US sanctions due to its links to networks that have transported Iranian and Venezuelan oil in violation of US measures.
British officials underscored that tackling such “shadow fleet” activity was critical to countering illicit revenue streams that fund destabilising activities and undermine the efficacy of international sanctions.
The operation occurred in waters between Greenland, Iceland and the British Isles, and was executed under a US federal court warrant that authorised the seizure.
Russia condemned the seizure, describing it as unlawful and accusing the United States of “piracy,” and called on Washington to repatriate Russian crew members.
Western officials have defended the legality of the mission, saying that the tanker’s status as stateless at certain points during its voyage provided a basis for lawful interdiction.
The incident underscores growing tensions over enforcement of sanctions regimes and the strategic importance of maritime operations in countering illicit trade.
British support for the mission reflects a commitment to coordinated action with international partners on security and sanctions enforcement, even as legal and diplomatic debates unfold around the broader implications of the seizure.
