The North Atlantic is currently embroiled in a significant maritime standoff. Russia has strategically deployed a submarine and other naval ships to safeguard a sanctioned oil tanker that the United States aims to seize. Once known as 'Bella 1', the tanker now sails under the Russian flag as 'Marinera', bringing US-Russia tensions to new heights.
What’s the Story?
In December 2025, US President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on 'shadow fleet' (clandestine ships) to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government. These vessels secretly transport sanctioned oil (from Iran, Russia, and Venezuela) to bypass restrictions.
Related: Can 300 Danish Soldiers Defend Greenland from a US Attack? Discover the Power Dynamics in the Region
The tanker Bella 1 was en route to load crude oil in Venezuela. The US Coast Guard attempted to halt it, but the crew managed to evade boarding and swiftly sail north. During the chase, the ship's name changed to Marinera, adopted a Russian flag, and registered in Russia. Now, it is 300 miles south of Iceland, moving towards the Russian port of Murmansk.
Russia protested and demanded the US halt its pursuit. When the US Coast Guard continued, Russia deployed a submarine and additional naval vessels to escort the tanker. Russian media outlet RT broadcasted videos from the tanker showing a pursuing American ship.
What is the Shadow Fleet?
These are old tankers often under opaque ownership that carry oil from banned countries. They often deactivate their AIS (tracking system) or display fake locations (AIS spoofing). Comprising hundreds of vessels, this fleet plays a crucial role in supporting Russia's economy. Previously transporting Iranian and Venezuelan oil to China, Marinera faced US sanctions in 2024.
Related: DRDO Receives Clearance for New Ballistic Missile with 1500 KM Range
What Has Russia Deployed?
Source: aajtak
To protect the tanker, Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval assets, though no specific names or models have been publicized. Reports from the Wall Street Journal and other outlets have merely referred to "a submarine and other naval vessels" or "naval assets".
These ships might belong to Russia's Northern Fleet, though precise specifications (like class, length, weapons) remain unspecified. This unusual step contributes to heightening Russia-US tension.
What Could Happen Next?
The US has seized many such tankers, but taking action on a Russian-flagged ship in international waters poses a challenge. A boarding attempt by the US could escalate into a major confrontation. Russia views this as a sovereignty matter.
Experts suggest cases like these may rise, with the shadow fleet increasingly adopting Russian flags to evade capture. This incident underscores the global stage for sanctions struggles moving to the seas. Both nations are vigilant, though no direct clash has occurred yet.
