Greece to release tanker suspected of sanctions breach

Greece will release a tanker that was seized earlier this week off the coast of the island of Evia on suspicion of violating EU sanctions against Russia, the Greek coastguard told Argus.

The Pegas was detained off the coast of Evia, Greece's second-largest island, on 15 April and has since been kept berthed at the port of Karystos under the orders of the national anti-money laundering authority. The Greek coastguard said a review has found the tanker was not in breach of sanctions and could be released as soon as tonight.

The ship had 19 Russian sailors aboard, along with an oil cargo that was initially set to be transferred onto another vessel but remains on the Pegas.

The coastguard said the tanker is being released as it was found not to be in violation of EU restrictions. As of 16 April, Russia-flagged vessels have been banned from entering EU ports, with exemptions for tankers that carry "agricultural and food products, humanitarian aid and energy".

The Pegas — renamed Lana in March, according to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) — was among five vessels sanctioned by the US on 22 February, two days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as part of measures against a unit of Russian state-owned bank Promsvyazbank. Of the five sanctioned tankers, the Pegas, the Baltic Leader and the Linda are now listed in IMO records as owned by Russian company Transmorflot.

By Ruxandra Iordache