EU Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker MV South Star

EU law enforcement authorities have seized the Russian shadow fleet vessel MV South Star on suspicion that it was sailing under a false Cameroonian flag.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas reported that the operation was carried out on July 20.

The vessel was detained on suspicion of sailing under a false Cameroonian flag.

“Every illicit voyage helps sustain Russia’s war machine. We are matching our sanctions with action at sea,” Kaja Kallas stated.

The MV South Star vessel during detention by EU law enforcement officers. July 20, 2026. Photo credits: Kaja Kallas

According to the MarineTraffic map, the vessel was last seen off the coast of Tunisia, although it may have been detained elsewhere.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported that during the oil embargo imposed by countries against Russia, the tanker has been involved in exporting Russian oil products from the Black Sea ports of Tuapse and Novorossiysk. The vessel carries out covert operations near Russian ports in the Black Sea, south of the Kerch Strait, as well as ship-to-ship transfers.

In June, the EU expanded the powers of the IRINI naval operation and allowed it to inspect vessels associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet.”