A Russian-linked oil tanker from Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” has entered the English Channel just hours after the UK government authorised the Royal Navy to board and inspect any vessel suspected of sanctions evasion. The development ratchets up tensions in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Sources confirm the vessel, the *Andromeda Star*, is registered in Gabon but operated by interests tied to Russian state-controlled entities.
It is carrying crude oil from a Baltic port, destined for a refinery in India – a route designed to mask its origin and evade the price cap imposed by the G7 and the EU. The Royal Navy has yet to intercept the tanker, but the Ministry of Defence has declared a “maritime sovereignty operation” in the Channel, effectively putting all transiting vessels on notice. Uncovered documents from a leaked shipping database show the *Andromeda Star* has changed ownership three times in the past six months and has a history of turning off its transponder to avoid detection.
Lawyers for the vessel’s alleged beneficial owner, a Cyprus-based shell company, have not responded to requests for comment. Critics in Parliament have accused the government of “grandstanding” after months of inaction, pointing out that the shadow fleet now numbers over 600 vessels, many of which operate without adequate insurance and pose environmental risks. This report is based on multiple sources, including a senior naval officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
