There have been some high-profile examples of this in the last month or so, but the practice can be seen to have started years ago, while the number of examples made it sensible to gather them all in one place.
The vessels are not all oil tankers but also include bulk cargo carriers and container vessels:
26 February 2022 – France seizes the Baltic Leader
20 April 2022 – Greece seizes the Lana
10 January 2025 – Germany seizes the Eventin
17 January 2025 – Finland seizes the Eagle S
14 April 2025 – Estonia seizes the Kiwala
6 October 2025 – France seizes the Boracay
– Captain convicted in absentia and given a year’s jail
23 December 2025 – Sweden seizes the Adler
2 January 2026 – Finland seizes the Fitburg
19 January 2026 – Italy seizes the Hizir Reis
27 January 2026 – France seizes the Grinch
– Owner fined “millions” to obtain vessel’s release
20 February 2026 – Denmark seizes the Nora
2 March 2026 – Belgium seizes the Ethera
– Owner required to pay €10m to secure release. Being appealed.
9 March 2026 – Sweden seizes the Caffa
– Prosecutors seeking confiscation of vessel
Updates since original post:
16 March 2026 – Sweden seizes the Sea Owl I
23 March 2026 – France seizes the Deyna
– Owner paid undisclosed fine to obtain vessel’s release
3 April 2026 – Sweden seizes the Flora 1
– The vessel has since been released
5 May 2026 – Sweden seizes the Jin Hui
1 June 2026 – France seizes the Tagor.