German Court Halts Confiscation of Crude Oil on Stateless Tanker Eventin

The Eventin, a stateless tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 152,000, has been anchored off the German island of Rugen since January 2025 after suffering an engine failure. The vessel was carrying 99,000 metric tons of crude oil from Russia and was initially not sanctioned, although its manager had been.

The owner of the Eventin argues that the ship never intended to enter European waters or deliver its cargo in violation of sanctions. They claim the tanker entered German waters only due to engine failure and had a right to seek safe refuge for repairs.

A Hamburg Finance Court ruling has halted the confiscation and sale of the crude oil aboard the Eventin, pending a main case decision. The Federal Customs Administration remains barred from completing the confiscation or disposal of the cargo until then.