The German finance ministry announced on Monday that a German court would consider a request for the release of an oil tanker believed to be a part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" used to circumvent oil sanction.

In January, the Panama-flagged vessel Eventin was discovered drifting out of its control near Germany's Baltic Sea coastline. The vessel was on its way to Egypt from Russia with a cargo worth around 40 million euros (45.24 millions).

The German authorities confiscated a decrepit vessel that was part of an EU sanctions package aimed at Russia's 2022 invasion in Ukraine. They also scolded Moscow for the incident.

The Russian authorities said that they did not have any information at the time about the owner or the ship.

A spokesperson for the German finance ministry announced on Monday that they were pausing enforcement measures until a court decision was made regarding the vessel.

The spokesman stated that "appeals for interim relief" have been filed at the court of competent jurisdiction against the seizure, confiscation and destruction of the ship and cargo.

The Finance Ministry refused to disclose the identity of plaintiffs, the ownership of the ship, its cargo or the length of the legal process.

The Eventin is currently docked in Sassnitz, a resort town.

A Monday official who was familiar with the situation said that it will be moved to a hazardous cargo anchorage three nautical miles from its current location. However, it has been deemed seaworthy, and does not pose any immediate threat.

EU sanctions were aimed at putting pressure on Russia, and limiting its ability to fund the war in Ukraine. They targeted the "shadow fleet", which is a Russian vessel used to move oil and grain around in violation sanctions.

Industry experts claim that the vessels are not insured or regulated by traditional Western providers. They also have little incentive to adhere to shipping standards. This poses safety and environmental hazards.

(source: Reuters)