Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessel Re‑enters English Channel After Smyrtos Raid

A Russian-flagged tanker called Forwarder entered the English Channel on Wednesday evening, marking the first time a shadow‑fleet vessel has entered since the UK forces boarded the Smyrtos on Sunday morning.

According to ship‑tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify, Forwarder departed from Primorsk in Russia the previous week and set a final destination of Dongying port in China. The vessel is among a fleet of more than 700 ageing tankers that deliver 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil abroad.

The UK has been adding a new restriction in July, allowing forces to board sanctioned vessels passing through UK waters. Nevertheless, experts note that the navy is unlikely to intervene when a Russian‑flagged tanker is escorted by a Russian warship.

Royal Navy warship HMS Tyne was operating in the area near Forwarder’s reported position, and the tanker may have been moving toward an alternate route that skirts Irish waters.

Forwarder was previously sanctioned by the UK, the United States and the European Union in 2025 after accusations that it was smuggling oil from Russia. The ship has changed its name twice, presumably to conceal its origins.

Following the boarding of the Smyrtos, satellite imagery shows many sanctioned vessels altering course to avoid the English Channel. A total of 94 shadow‑fleet ships have crossed into UK territorial waters in the period after the manoeuvre.

NATO officials have reported that Admiral Grigorovich, a Russian frigate, is assigned to escort sanctioned tankers; however, it is unclear whether this vessel was escorting Forwarder during its transit.

“Going after vessels that are falsely flagged or misusing a flag of convenience is one thing, but these are approaching Russia directly,” said Frederik Van Lokeren, former Belgian naval officer. "We do not expect the UK or any other western country to board a Russian-flagged vessel.”

The UK seized the Smyrtos, unmanned and lacking a registered flag, and its captain has been charged with contravening sanctions. The incident underscores the legal complexities involved in stopping shipments of sanctioned goods.