Kathrine Frich
Russian-linked oil tankers continue to pass through British waters despite new enforcement powers announced by the UK government.
The situation is raising questions about whether political promises are being matched by action.
Promises made
Sir Keir Starmer said less than a week ago that Britain would begin intercepting Russian “shadow fleet” vessels, according to the Daily Express.
The aim was to disrupt oil shipments believed to help fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
He stated the UK would target the ships “even harder” and reports suggested elite units such as the Special Boat Service could be involved in boarding operations.
However, several vessels linked to the fleet are currently in the English Channel, with no confirmed interceptions so far.
Fleet in focus
The so-called shadow fleet is believed to include more than 1,000 ageing tankers operating under foreign flags to bypass Western sanctions, the Express reported.
Blocking access to UK waters is intended to force these ships onto longer and more expensive routes, or risk seizure.
Despite this, enforcement appears delayed. A senior NATO official told The i Paper the UK is “not entirely ready” to carry out such operations, pointing to legal and diplomatic concerns.
Political pressure
The lack of action has drawn criticism. Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty told The i Paper the situation showed an “unwillingness to take action.”
“So why are they now transiting through the channel with impunity?” he said.
Starmer had previously warned: “That’s why we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.”
Risks and limits
Boarding vessels at sea remains complex and potentially dangerous, even for highly trained units like the Royal Marines and SBS.
The Ministry of Defence said activity in the Channel is under constant review and that any enforcement would be assessed “on a case-by case-basis, in accordance with international law and domestic legislation.”
Other European countries, including Finland, Sweden and Estonia, have already intercepted similar vessels in the Baltic, highlighting the gap between UK policy and action.
Sources: Daily Express, The i Paper, UK Ministry of Defence
