EU-Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker Escorted To Morocco After Engine Failure

A Russian oil tanker under European Union and United Kingdom sanctions is being escorted to the Moroccan port of Tanger Med after its engine failed off the southern coast of Spain.

The Chariot Tide, sailing under a Mozambique flag and previously named Marabella Sun until November 2024, lost propulsion on 22 January while drifting about 33 miles south of Adra, in Almeria province, according to Spain’s Merchant Marine.

The tanker was within Spain’s search-and-rescue zone, prompting a response. The Spanish rescue ship Clara Campoamor is guiding the tanker to port.

Authorities have not explained why the vessel, despite being sanctioned, was not detained. Spain’s Defence Ministry and Morocco’s Tanger Med port authority did not comment on the situation.

The EU sanctioned the Chariot Tide in November 2024 for helping Russia export oil while using what officials described as irregular and high-risk shipping practices. The UK also added the vessel to its sanctions list.

The Chariot Tide is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” of around 1,200 to 1,600 vessels that help countries like Russia, Venezuela, and Iran continue oil exports despite Western sanctions.

These ships are often older, carry limited insurance, operate under unclear ownership, and sometimes manipulate tracking systems or change flags to avoid detection.

European authorities have warned that such practices pose growing safety and environmental risks.

Morocco, a US ally, maintains close ties with Russia and in October 2025 signed a fisheries agreement allowing Russian vessels access to its Atlantic waters. This makes the tanker’s arrival in Morocco more geopolitically sensitive.

Reference: Reuters

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