The Albanese government is seeking more information from Washington following the seizure of two oil tankers in back-to-back operations by US forces overnight.
Footage released by the US Department of Homeland Security showed troops boarding the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had been pursued since late December. The vessel was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Scotland, with the UK military assisting in the operation.
A second tanker, the M/T Sophia, was captured in the Caribbean Sea. Both ships have been sanctioned by the United States for being part of a so-called “shadow fleet” – a collection of anonymously owned, often uninsured vessels used to transport cargo for countries attempting to evade international sanctions.
Cabinet minister Murray Watt confirmed on Thursday that Australia, which has increased monitoring of shadow fleets in recent years, was “monitoring” the developments closely.
“What I can say is there’s been a pattern of countries like Russia and Iran using shadow fleets to try to get around sanctions,” Watt told the ABC. “This would not be the first time we’ve seen these kinds of vessels undertaking these kinds of voyages. But as I say, we’re still at the stage of monitoring this and trying to establish the facts.”
Moscow condemned the seizure of the Marinera, demanding that Russian crew members be treated appropriately. The Russian Transport Ministry said the vessel had received “temporary permission” to fly the Russian flag and insisted that no country had the right to seize a ship registered under another nation’s jurisdiction.
The White House, however, described the Marinera as a “Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag,” subject to a US judicial order. It said both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route there.
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the actions, stating the United States was “determined” to ensure all oil trading with Venezuela was lawful. “The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people,” Hegseth wrote on social media. “Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce — as determined by the U.S. — will be permitted.”
The operations, carried out under the Trump administration, have reignited debate over the legality of US interventions, particularly following the controversial extraction of Venezuela’s autocratic leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a separate incident over the weekend.
Government sources told NewsWire Australia intends to “communicate to the US administration support for international law” while avoiding overt or public criticism of the moves. This approach contrasts with other Western allies, such as France, which told the UN Security Council that the operation to capture Maduro “contravenes the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes.”
International law experts suggest Canberra’s cautious approach is consistent with past US maritime interdictions. Donald Rothwell, a leading scholar in law of the sea, said Australia would likely remain “mute” on the matter, as it has in similar recent operations.
Rothwell also highlighted potential regional implications, noting that US enforcement against shadow fleets could set a precedent in the Indo-Pacific. “There are linkages between US conduct here and shadow fleets operating in East and Southeast Asia,” he said. “This is relevant given concerns about Russian and Chinese dark fleets, as well as Chinese support for North Korea in evading sanctions. The precedent could lead to more assertive action within our region.”
Regarding the Marinera, Rothwell said it would ultimately be up to Russia to prove the ship’s legitimacy. The vessel has changed its flag multiple times over the past five years, including during its recent pursuit. “If Russia can legitimately show the vessel was registered under Russian law and able to fly the Russian flag, then it is not stateless,” Rothwell explained.
Australia’s measured response underscores the delicate balance it seeks to maintain between supporting US-led sanction enforcement and upholding international maritime law.
