Throwing a stone and hitting oneself: Germany seizes oil tanker, burning €8,000 daily.

A sanctions operation has turned into an endless financial drain.

The aftermath of Germany’s seizure of the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Eventin has recently come to light through German media reports, drawing widespread irony.

The vessel, carrying 99,000 tons of crude oil, lost power in early 2025 and drifted near Rügen Island in the Baltic Sea.

Germany promptly invoked EU sanctions provisions to seize the ship, intending to proceed with legal proceedings to confiscate both the vessel and its cargo.

Yet, while the plan appeared sound in theory, the reality proved costly.

Crude oil storage demands strict operational continuity—generators and pumps must run nonstop around the clock, requiring on-site personnel and technical staff to remain aboard to prevent oil spills and environmental contamination.

Maritime experts estimate that maintaining this stationary vessel incurs daily costs of up to €8,000; annual expenditures are therefore substantial.

To date, custody expenses have surpassed €3 million, fully borne by German taxpayers.

Even more troubling is the lack of judicial resolution.

The shipowner contests the legality of the seizure and continues to resist in court.

If Germany loses the case, it not only risks writing off several million euros in sunk costs but may also be liable for compensating the owner’s lost revenue due to operational halt—amounts potentially exceeding current expenditures.

Sanctions are never cost-free.

While the deterrent effect of sanctions often dominates public attention, the hidden costs of prolonged detention, storage, and litigation are frequently overlooked.

Berlin initially aimed to demonstrate resolve through this vessel, yet protracted legal battles have left it idle at sea, consuming public funds day after day.

(Sources: RND, Walsroder Zeitung; Hamburg maritime expert Max Johns’ cost analysis; judicial details from Hamburg Finance Court and ZDF reporting; RT republished on April 22)

Original: toutiao.com/article/1879707035226120/

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