Governments in the Nordic-Baltic region and NATO are signaling serious concern after what analysts call irregular security practices aboard Russia-linked shadow tankers, including the use of armed guards far outside typical maritime norms. The issue gained fresh urgency following the U.S. seizure of the Russian-associated oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, part of broader efforts to enforce sanctions on illicit oil shipments.
Maritime intelligence expert Michelle Wiese Bockmann told Fox News Digital that the ownership of Marinera had been transferred to a newly formed Russian entity, and that the vessel’s personnel situation remains unclear. “We do not know the status of these sailors and seafarers, who are Russian nationals,” she said, adding that this “lack of clarity is common with dark fleet tankers.” Bockmann also stressed that the presence of unauthorized personnel aboard such vessels—described as armed guards—is “highly irregular” and a growing worry among Nordic-Baltic governments.
Experts note that armed guards are typically only seen on ships facing direct risks from piracy or conflict zones, such as the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea, not on sanctioned oil tankers in the North Atlantic. The broader concern stems from the so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels used to evade Western sanctions that often operate under opaque ownership and identity practices.
Reports from Sweden’s defense authorities also indicate uniformed personnel aboard some tankers in Baltic waters, reinforcing fears that these vessels may be taking on quasi-military characteristics to deter inspection.
The U.S. action that led to the Marinera’s seizure included boarding by military and Coast Guard forces after the ship flew a false flag and was judged stateless. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized at a briefing that the vessel was targeted because it carried sanctioned oil and lacked credible registration, warning the crew could face prosecution.
Russia has condemned the U.S. seizure as illegal and has demanded humane treatment and repatriation of the crew, with Moscow’s foreign ministry closely tracking the situation.
