The detained tanker Marinera belongs to a businessman from Crimea

The oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, which was detained by the US military off the coast of Iceland, belongs to the Russian company Burevestmarine. It is owned by Ilya Bugay, a businessman from annexed Crimea.

According to the Novaya Gazeta portal, the company was founded only six months ago, according to Russian records, but has already managed to publish job offers for maritime positions. Bugay also ran a petrochemical company in the past.

Marinera was part of the so-called "shadow fleet," which serves to circumvent US sanctions, especially in the transport of Venezuelan and Iranian oil. At the time of its detention, the ship was accompanied by a Russian submarine.

During the pursuit, the ship changed its flag from Guyanese to Russian, which the US refused to recognize, claiming that it was a vessel without nationality.

The case raised legal questions about changing registration during pursuit in neutral waters. This is a potential precedent in maritime law.

The US also reported the detention of another tanker linked to Russia – the M Sophia, which was transporting Venezuelan oil.

(pir)