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Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker Appears Off Scotland After US Seizure Operation
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The Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, has been spotted off the coast of Scotland under escort by a US Coast Guard vessel and UK tugboats, BFBS Forces News reported on January 14.
According to the report, the tanker entered UK territorial waters to facilitate a safe replenishment operation. British authorities were not directly involved in the resupply itself, BFBS Forces News said.
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The development follows a coordinated operation in which UK military assets—including RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and the Royal Navy auxiliary RFA Tideforce—were deployed to support a US-led mission to detain the tanker. The UK Ministry of Defence said British forces provided pre-planned operational assistance, including access to basing, at Washington’s request.
The tanker is currently located in the Moray Firth in northern Scotland, though its next destination remains unclear.
A Russia-linked oil tanker seized by the United States earlier this month enters UK waters.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 15, 2026
The Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, seen in waters in the north of Scotland with a US Coast Guard vesselhttps://t.co/vSBjPqzDQY pic.twitter.com/Sm9wH5xARr
UK Defence Secretary John Healey praised the Armed Forces for their role in the operation, highlighting what he described as their “skill and professionalism” in assisting the US effort.
“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” Healey said.
“This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.”
The Ministry of Defence noted that the vessel had been sanctioned by the US under counter-Iran measures aimed at preventing Tehran from profiting from illicit oil sales that contribute to regional instability. Officials said the tanker had engaged in multiple sanctions-evasion tactics, including operating under a false flag, disabling its transponder while at sea, and attempting to reflag while being pursued.
A spokesperson for the UK Department for Transport said the government views countering Russia’s shadow fleet as a strategic priority.
“Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government,” the spokesperson said. “Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – and we will continue to do so.
“The Bella 1 entered UK waters to be replenished with essential supplies – including food and water for the crew – earlier today before it continues its onward journey.”
Earlier, reports emerged that the United Kingdom was preparing legal and operational frameworks to enable its armed forces to detain ships associated with Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that are believed to be circumventing oil sanctions.
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