Belgium imposes 10 million euro bail on seized Russian oil tanker

Group 1 - Belgium has imposed a bail of 10 million euros ($11.61 million) on the seized Russian oil tanker Ethera, which was part of a Russian shadow fleet operating under false documentation [1][1][1] - The North Sea ministry identified 45 violations related to the tanker, primarily involving false certificates and the use of a false Guinean flag [1][1][1] - The Ethera will only be allowed to sail again after the bail is paid and a follow-up inspection confirms compliance with regulations, including securing a valid flag state and addressing technical issues [1][1][1] Group 2 - The Belgian government is taking strong measures against vessels in the shadow fleet to enforce EU sanctions and curb financing for Russia's war in Ukraine [1][1][1] - The rise of a shadow fleet has been attributed to Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia's oil revenues following its invasion of Ukraine [1][1][1] - Shadow fleet vessels are characterized by opaque ownership structures and pose environmental risks due to their aging and poorly regulated nature, which can lead to spills and mechanical failures [1][1][1]