First Russian shadow fleet vessel enters Channel since Smyrtos boarding
BBC News 2026-06-18 11:50:15
Context: A Russian "shadow fleet" tanker, Forwarder, has entered the English Channel for the first time since UK forces boarded the Smyrtos on Sunday morning, according to ship tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify. The Forwarder, which is sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU, left port in Primorsk last week and is broadcasting its final destination as Dongying port in China. This development comes amid increased tensions between Russia and Western countries over energy exports.
Key Facts
- A Russian-flagged ship, Forwarder, which left port in Primorsk on June 12 after loading oil, entered the English Channel on Wednesday evening and sailed south, broadcasting its final destination as Dongying port in China.
- The Forwarder was sanctioned by the UK, the US, and the EU in 2025, and has changed its name twice since the British government accused it of smuggling oil from Russia.
- Ship-tracking data appears to show a Royal Navy warship, HMS Tyne, operating in the area near the tanker's location, while a Nato official has previously told BBC Verify that the Russian warship, Admiral Grigorovich, has been assigned to escort sanctioned oil tankers.
- The clandestine fleet of more than 700 ageing tankers, usually of obscured ownership, is responsible for carrying 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil, according to the Ministry of Defence.
- UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in March that British armed forces "are now able to board sanctioned vessels that are passing through our waters" which were not operating in accordance with international law, but experts believe it is unlikely the UK or France would seek to intercept the tanker.