Germany blocks Russian “shadow fleet” tanker from entering its territorial waters in unprecedented move Germany has denied entry to the Cameroonian-flagged tanker Tavian into its territorial waters, marking the first known instance of a vessel linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” being barred. The 27-year-old tanker, described as a “zombie tanker,” was suspected of sailing under a false flag with forged registration details. While previous “shadow fleet” tankers faced fewer obstacles, Germany’s decision suggests a potential shift in maritime policy, though the exact reasons remain unclear.

• Germany denied entry to the “zombie tanker” Tavian into its territorial waters.
• This is the first known instance of a vessel linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” being barred from German waters.
• The tanker Tavian is suspected of sailing under a false flag and with forged registration details, potentially using a fake IMO number.
• If Tavian is the tanker Tia, it is one of the oldest large oil tankers still in operation and is on the U.S. sanctions list.
• Germany’s decision represents a departure from previous policies where “shadow fleet” vessels faced fewer obstacles.
• Maritime law experts note that confiscating tankers is difficult even with documentation issues, and UNCLOS governs vessel passage.
• The Tavian changed course and is heading toward the Norwegian Sea.