ATHENS

Estonia detained an oil tanker that was part of Russia's “shadow fleet” and was sailing through Estonian waters in the Gulf of Finland, public broadcaster ERT reported on Friday.

The vessel, the Kiwala, which was already sanctioned due to past activities by both the EU and at least three non-EU countries (Canada, Switzerland and the UK) was en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga.

According to Estonian authorities, the vessel lacked a flag state, meaning it was not permitted to sail on the open seas.

"The purpose of the detention is to check the ship's documents and legal status. The detention and the investigations being carried out are in no way related to damage to critical infrastructure, and the inspection on board is being conducted by the appropriate authorities," Estonian Navy commander Cdre Ivo Vark told a press conference.

Meanwhile, Veiko Kommusaar, head of the Police and Border Guard Board's border patrols, said: "It is no secret that over the past year, a number of vessels have appeared in the Gulf of Finland that sail without proper documentation. And it can be stated quite clearly that this is part of the shadow fleet."

​​​​​​​In the wake of Western sanctions due to the Ukraine war, Russia is said to have developed a network of oil tankers to ensure the continuity of its energy exports – the so-called “shadow fleet.”