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Estonia Releases Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker After Compliance Check
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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Estonia has released the oil tanker Kiwala, suspected of operating as part of Russia’s so-called Shadow Fleet, after the vessel addressed numerous deficiencies identified during an inspection.
According to Reuters on April 28, the tanker, which had been sailing under questionable registration, was detained by the Estonian Navy in the Gulf of Finland on April 11, 2025.
The vessel was en route from the Indian port of Sikka to the Russian port of Ust-Luga without a valid national flag. Although the crew initially claimed the ship was registered under Djibouti’s flag, Djibouti authorities denied any connection to the vessel and formally withdrew its registration.
The Estonian Transport Administration reported that during the initial inspection, 40 deficiencies were recorded, 29 of which were deemed significant.
Most issues, 23 in total, related to incomplete or improper documentation, while others involved deficiencies in the vessel’s maritime safety system, crew emergency preparedness, and technical equipment. As a result, Kiwala was prohibited from continuing its voyage until the problems were addressed.
Following a reinspection, the Transport Administration confirmed that the necessary corrections had been made. Kristjan Truu, Head of the Maritime Service at the Estonian Transport Administration, stated that the ship was technically in order and cleared to leave Estonian waters. On April 27, Kiwala departed from the port near Muuga and later anchored near Ust-Luga, Russia.
The release followed an official letter from Djibouti authorities, received by Estonian officials, confirming their intention to re-register the vessel by May 7.
The Kiwala remains under European Union, United Kingdom, Canadian, and Swiss sanctions, raising concerns over the movements of Russia-linked vessels through the Baltic region. Estonian officials emphasized that they will continue to intensify inspections of ships entering Estonia’s economic zone.
Earlier, on April 11, Estonian authorities detained the Russian-linked tanker Kiwala in the Gulf of Finland after discovering 40 safety violations and determining the vessel was operating without a valid national flag.
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