The Belgian government has made a tough demand for the release of a Russian tanker that was arrested in the port of Antwerp. To lift the arrest and allow the ship to go to sea, the owners need to pay a bail of 10 million euros. This decision was the result of a prolonged legal and political confrontation as part of the increased EU sanctions pressure on the energy sector of the Russian Federation. The tanker, which was carrying oil products, was detained due to suspicions of violating the "price cap" and using opaque insurance schemes.
The Belgian side emphasizes that the amount of the bond covers potential fines for violations of international norms and environmental risks. The vessel remains blocked under heightened security. The situation has provoked a sharp reaction from Moscow, which accused Brussels of 'piracy' and promised to take reciprocal measures against Belgian ships. Experts note that this precedent could significantly complicate the logistics of the Russian 'shadow fleet' in the waters of the European Union, forcing insurers and charterers to be more cautious.
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