The Russian shadow fleet tanker, Fair Breeze (IMO: 9419723) has logged that it is travelling to Malta, Hurd’s Bank. On the other side of Malta, and outside its waters, another Russian shadow fleet tanker, the Mirador, is seen travelling to Egypt. Both tankers are sanctioned under the EU.
Hurd’s Bank is an area highly active in illegal oil trading and the area is used frequently by Russian ships.
Recently, a Russian LNG-tanker was blown up by a Ukrainian drone outside Hurd’s Bank. The wreckage of the ship is now drifting near Maltese waters with the Maltese government planning to commission a private company to salvage the wreckage.
Russian tankers are currently being targeted by Ukraine as part of its war against the Russian energy industry. This war is set to continue.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg has requested the EU Council to provide military and security assistance to ward off the Russian shadow fleet from European shores. French and Spanish naval frigates are currently berthed in Malta.
Feature image of the Fair Breeze from Vessel Finder.
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