The UK government has reportedly identified a legal basis that could enable the military to board and detain vessels in so-called shadow fleets, according to BBC News. This development comes as a response to the growing concern over ships operating without a valid national flag to evade sanctions on oil. Russia, Iran, and Venezuela have all been accused of using this tactic. Last week, British armed forces assisted US troops in seizing the Marinera oil tanker, which was accused of carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, thereby violating US sanctions. Although no UK military personnel have boarded any vessels yet, officials have been exploring potential measures. The Sanctions and Money Laundering Act from 2018 can be used to authorize the use of military force, ministers believe. The government is planning to use these powers, described internally as a ramp-up of action against the ships. The timing of the first UK military action is uncertain. The UK has already imposed sanctions on over 500 alleged shadow vessels, which it believes are aiding hostile activities, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ministers claim that their actions, along with those of their allies, have forced around 200 ships off the seas, most of which were operating without a legitimate flag. Ship flagging is the process of registering a vessel to a specific country, allowing it to travel in international waters and offering it legal protections. The new legal mechanism identified by the government could be applied to any sanctioned vessels not legitimately flagged. This would have included the Marinera tanker, which was seized last week. The Marinera, previously known as the Bella 1 and linked to Venezuela, was stopped by the US Coast Guard as it traveled through the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland. The Ministry of Defence stated that the US requested UK assistance, with RAF surveillance aircraft and the Royal Navy support ship RFA Tideforce participating in the operation. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the action was in full compliance with international law and that the UK would not stand by as malign activity increases on the high seas. Healey informed MPs on Wednesday that the government was 'stepping up action on the shadow fleet, developing further military options, and strengthening coordination with allies'. This legal mechanism identification was one of the further military options Healey was referring to. The US has increased action against shadow fleet vessels, seizing five tankers in recent weeks. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed that deterring, disrupting, and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for the government. However, they declined to comment on specific operational planning. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced on Sunday that insurance checks were being increased, with over 600 ships stopped while sailing close to the British Isles. Vessels without legitimate flags often lack insurance, which experts warn could lead to a crisis if involved in incidents like oil spills. Despite this, Alexander refused to disclose the number of alleged shadow vessels known to have sailed in UK waters, stating that providing such information would only benefit President Putin.
