Germany conducts drills to intercept Russia’s ‘Dark Fleet’ tankers

German Coast Guard patrol vessels and special forces have conducted training exercises designed to intercept and seize oil tankers belonging to Russia’s ‘Dark Fleet’. This fleet is used to evade international sanctions and fund the Russian budget.

The drills, performed on the patrol vessel BAMBERG (BP 82), involved federal police helicopters and special units rappelling onto decks to secure vessels. German officials, including Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and representatives from Baltic nations, observed the maneuvers.

While the German Navy may provide support with more heavily armed destroyers, officials have expressed caution. Dieter Romann, Director of the German Federal Police, warned that such enforcement actions against vessels that may carry armed mercenaries or be accompanied by Russian warships could lead to rapid escalation and armed conflict.