Estonia Detains Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker Over Safety Deficiencies

By The Moscow Times Staff
April 13, 2025

The Estonian Transport Administration announced on Saturday that the Russian-owned tanker Kiwala will be prohibited from continuing its voyage until it addresses approximately 40 identified deficiencies. The vessel was detained on April 11, 2025, in the Gulf of Finland during a routine inspection, which revealed several legal and safety issues.

Detention and Safety Concerns

The Kiwala was flagged as a stateless vessel during the inspection, raising immediate concerns for Estonian authorities. Kristjan Truu, the director of the Maritime Department of the Transport Administration, stated that the deficiencies include 23 documentation-related issues and additional concerns regarding the tanker’s seaworthiness. "We cannot allow the ship to continue its voyage because maritime and environmental safety cannot be guaranteed," Truu emphasized.

Two days prior to the ship's detention, the Estonian parliament had enacted legislation that allows the country’s Defense Forces to use force against any vessels in the Baltic Sea that might pose a national security threat. This legislative move reflects the growing vigilance of the Estonian government in monitoring maritime activities proximate to its borders.

Legal Status and Background of the Kiwala

Initially, the Kiwala was reported to be sailing under the Djibouti flag. However, the East African nation quickly issued a statement confirming that it had de-registered the tanker. The Kiwala is currently anchored in Muuga Bay and remains under surveillance by the Estonian Navy.

Officials noted that the tanker is under international sanctions from Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It was en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga at the time of its detention. Security analysts have pointed out that Russia is operating a so-called "shadow fleet" consisting of numerous ships aimed at evading sanctions related to its oil exports due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Crew and Ownership Details

The captain of the Kiwala is Chinese, and the 24-member crew primarily consists of individuals from China and Mauritania. Sources from the Ukrainian sanctions-monitoring portal War & Sanctions highlighted that the ship had been previously commanded by a captain named Sergei Kharchenko. The tanker is owned by Tirad Shipping, a company registered in Mauritius, which reportedly operates solely with the Kiwala.

Conclusion

As Estonia continues to enforce maritime regulations and monitor vessels in its waters, the detention of the Kiwala marks a significant step in addressing concerns over illegal oil exports and the evasion of sanctions. The situation remains under close observation as authorities await further developments regarding the ship’s deficiencies and its future status.