Belgium has announced a 10 million euro bail for the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Ethera, which was detained last week. The tanker is not allowed to leave the port until the bail is paid and a subsequent inspection verifies compliance with maritime regulations. This includes having valid certificates, proper flag registration, and rectifying any technical deficiencies, according to the Belgian government.

The vessel was seized on March 1 during a joint operation with France and it marks the first instance where Belgian authorities have detained a ship associated with the Russian shadow fleet. The tanker, which was under the flag of Guinea and had arrived from a Moroccan port, has been subject to European Union sanctions since October 2025 and is also listed under U.S. sanctions since last July. This move reflects a tightening grip on operations linked to Russia's maritime activities by Western countries.

Inspectors identified 45 violations primarily related to invalid certificates, highlighting the ongoing challenges in enforcing compliance with international maritime laws. Other Western nations have also begun detaining vessels associated with the shadow fleet as part of broader efforts to enforce sanctions and monitor maritime activities that may contravene international norms, signaling a significant escalation in measures against the Russian shipping sector.