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Estonia detained a Russian-linked oil tanker near Tallinn for maritime law violations. The Kiwala, which authorities claim is part of Moscow's "shadow fleet," has already been sanctioned by the EU and other countries.

A Kremlin-linked oil tanker was detained by Estonian authorities on Friday just outside Tallinn, in what marks the first time the Baltic country has directly targeted Russia's "shadow fleet".

The vessel, named the Kiwala, had been reportedly operating under the flag of Djibouti. However, it was caught not flying a flag, which is a violation of maritime law. Although the crew provided a flag certificate, the Djibouti naval authority said it could not find the Kiwala in its national registry.

"Ships like this are actually not allowed to operate. Estonia exercised its right to detain the vessel for inspection," Deputy Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) Veiko Kommusaar said.

The Kiwala has been sanctioned by the EU, Kommusaar said. Additionally, the vessels has been under further sanctions by Canada, Switzerland and the UK, according to reports. It was en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga.

As part of Moscow's "shadow fleet," it is suspected of transporting Russian oil in order to circumvent sanctions. The Kiwala will now remain under guard by three navy vessels until further checks are completed.

"It is no secret that over the past year, a number of vessels have appeared in the Gulf of Finland that sail without proper documentation," Kommusaar explained.

"And it can be stated quite clearly that it is part of the shadow fleet, which uses the Baltic Sea to transport goods, which is prohibited."

The vessel's owner is Tirad Shipping, a Mauritius-based company that operates only one ship — the Kiwala.

Botragelad:

Source;
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/11/estonian-authorities-detain-russian-shadow-fleet-linked-oil-tanker-near-tallinn

Botragelad:

Source;
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/11/estonian-authorities-detain-russian-shadow-fleet-linked-oil-tanker-near-tallinn

id4sho:
Till men blow-up the world before everyone will rest. Only if women ruled the world 🤷

id4sho:
Till men blow-up the world before everyone will rest. Only if women ruled the world 🤷

WritterNg:
Lol... Checkout where these tankers were registered.

They aren't Russian owned. They're owned by foreign entities. Private businessmen going around sanctions to trade Russian oil.

There's a reason why they are called shadow fleet.

BlocksNG:
go and rescue it, alainitiju.

aimmoney9:
Make sex tape plenty.........

WritterNg:
Lol... Checkout where these tankers were registered.

They aren't Russian owned. They're owned by foreign entities. Private businessmen going around sanctions to trade Russian oil.

There's a reason why they are called shadow fleet.

Lazy9jaYouth:
Only God knows the number of this kind of ship that have entered Nigeria and left unhindered & undisturbed.
Nigeria boarder is a Perfect Market "Free Entry, Free exit"

WritterNg:
Rescue what?

Are you slow? Can you not see where I said they're owned by businessmen from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey etc.

WritterNg:
Rescue what?

Are you slow? Can you not see where I said they're owned by businessmen from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey etc.

Botragelad:
Russia at it again! 😂

First Germany sometime ago, now Estonia. These oil tankers just keep getting busted. Maybe it's time they accept the sanctions and stop playing hide and seek on the seas. Lol

Botragelad:
Russia at it again! 😂

First Germany sometime ago, now Estonia. These oil tankers just keep getting busted. Maybe it's time they accept the sanctions and stop playing hide and seek on the seas. Lol