The Smyrtos remains the only Russian shadow fleet vessel interdicted by British forces since the authority to board such ships was extended on 25 March, Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for the Armed Forces, has said, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Sarah Green, the Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham, asked how many vessels had been boarded, inspected or detained in UK waters since the extension and with what outcome. Sandher-Jones replied: “The Ministry of Defence stands ready to board shadow fleet vessels when required as shown through our interdiction of the Russian shadow fleet vessel MV SMYRTOS. At present, this remains the only vessel that has been interdicted.
“It remains a government priority to put pressure on the Russian shadow fleet. This includes sanctions, coordinated diplomatic actions, and where appropriate, lawful interdiction. International efforts are having an effect. We observe changing patterns of behaviour which increase the cost of transporting sanctioned Russian oil as well as Russian naval escorts, which put additional demands on the Russian fleet.”
In a separate answer, Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, asked whether the department had assessed the need to interdict the sanctioned tanker Leruo off Shetland in late October as it headed for North America. Sandher-Jones said: “The Royal Navy with the Joint Maritime Security Centre keeps maritime activity in UK waters under constant review. Any enforcement action is considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in accordance with international law and domestic legislation.
“We will not provide a running commentary or get into details of our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting our adversaries.”
Asked by Obese-Jecty about the effect on UK waters of the US passing General Licence 135, she replied: “The security of UK waters is critical to the security of the UK. The UK is in regular discussion with our allies to ensure we are ready and able to take action against Russia’s use of its shadow fleet to fund its illegal war in Ukraine. Any enforcement action is considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in accordance with international law and domestic legislation.
“US sanctions are a matter for the US administration. The Prime Minister has made it clear that we will continue to strengthen our sanctions on Russia and to take further action to constrain the Russian war machine.”
British forces boarded the Smyrtos in June in the first direct interdiction of a shadow fleet tanker, and the UK Defence Journal published video of the boarding at the time.
So what has happened to the Smyrtos, has it been off loaded and are we going to sell the hull for scrap or is it still sitting off the south cost full of oil waiting for someone somewhere to make up his/her mind on what is going to happen to her.