Belgium Fines Sanctioned Tanker €10M and Detains Vessel Over Safety Violations

Belgian authorities have fined the tanker Ethera €10.02 million and detained the vessel in Zeebrugge after inspectors uncovered serious regulatory breaches and safety deficiencies.

The 46,600 dwt tanker entered Belgian waters in the North Sea before authorities intervened and escorted it to port. Investigators soon determined that the ship operated under a false flag and lacked valid registration and statutory certificates.

North Sea Boarding Operation

Belgian authorities boarded the vessel shortly before midnight on February 28 during an enforcement operation known as Blue Intruder.

The operation involved 93 Belgian soldiers and support from two French helicopters. The team secured the tanker and directed it to the port of Zeebrugge for inspection.

At the time of the boarding, the tanker was sailing in ballast from Morocco toward Russia. The vessel claimed registration in Guyana. Belgian investigators later confirmed that the registry was not valid.

Sanctions authorities had already placed the ship under scrutiny. The United States sanctioned the tanker in July 2025 due to alleged links to Iran and suspected involvement in transporting Russian oil.

The tanker was built in 2008. Reports indicate that the son of a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader acquired the vessel in 2024.

Inspectors Find 45 Deficiencies

Belgian maritime inspectors carried out a port state control inspection after the vessel arrived in Zeebrugge.

Inspectors recorded 45 deficiencies during the examination. Several problems involved technical systems and regulatory compliance.

Officials also confirmed that the vessel currently has no valid flag state registration. The ship is also missing key safety certificates required for international operation.

Authorities imposed a financial penalty of €10,020,000, which equals roughly $11 million.

Vessel Remains Detained in Zeebrugge

The tanker will remain in port until the owner resolves several compliance issues.

First, the owner must pay the full fine. Next, the vessel must obtain a legitimate flag state registration and valid statutory certificates.

Inspectors will then conduct a follow up inspection. The vessel will not leave port until authorities confirm that all deficiencies have been corrected.

The tanker currently carries 21 crew members. The crew includes a Russian captain, seven officers from India, Georgia, and Indonesia, and 13 additional seafarers from India.

Belgian officials have ordered the crew to remain on board while the detention continues.

Authorities say the enforcement action forms part of wider efforts to strengthen sanctions enforcement and maritime security in the North Sea.