Working Conditions Aboard the Ruton

On the evening of June 24, 2026, the tanker 'Forwarder' marked a notable event as the first vessel from the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet to traverse the English Channel following the seizure of the 'Smyrnos'. The tanker, having departed from Primorsk on June 12 after loading oil, made its way south into the Channel, declaring Dongying port as its intended destination. This movement comes after a period where UK-sanctioned tankers largely steered clear of the Channel due to increased scrutiny, particularly after the interception of the 'Smyrnos', which prompted other vessels to alter their courses. In the vicinity, the Royal Navy warship HMS 'Tyne' was active, monitoring the situation closely. The 'Forwarder', which has been under UK, US, and EU sanctions since 2025 for allegedly smuggling oil from Russia, has undergone multiple name changes to evade enforcement actions.

On the evening of June 17, 2026, the sanctioned vessel 'Forward' made its way into the English Channel, marking the first occurrence of a sanctioned tanker transiting the strategically important waterway since the Royal Marines boarded the 'Smyrtos' on June 14. Originally carrying a cargo of Russian crude oil from Primorsk, this Russian-flagged tanker, previously known as 'Heng Tai', successfully navigated the Dover Strait early in the morning. The 'Forwarder' is transporting 730,000 barrels of Urals crude to Dongying, with an estimated time of arrival set for July 30. The Royal Navy's HMS 'Tyne' was actively patrolling the vicinity around the tanker's route. The 'Forwarder' has been under sanctions imposed by the UK, US, and EU since 2025, due to allegations of smuggling Russian oil. Following these sanctions, the vessel has undergone a name change twice.