The German Federal Ministry of Finance Court (BFH) has temporarily blocked the seizure and liquidation of the oil tanker Eventin near Rügen, citing well-founded doubts about the lawfulness of the seizure under EU sanctions and international law.

The Eventin, carrying about 100,000 tons of oil, faced a stay as the court weighs whether the seizure complies with sanctions and maritime law.

The vessel’s owner, Laliya Shipping Corp. of the Marshall Islands, challenged its inclusion on the EU shadow fleet list, arguing it never intended to transport sanctioned oil into the EU.

Today in the state parliament there is a decision about incorporating the Sachsenwald area into a municipality, with mayors warning of potentially high costs.

General Northern Germany traffic updates cover congestion, construction, and hazards affecting Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Analysts highlight a need for policy and legal reforms to address shadow flotillas and enforcement challenges.

Maritime security expert Moritz Brake offers analysis of the current situation surrounding the Eventin.

Key legal questions remain about how authorities can proceed before a final ruling, including potential appeals, a preliminary European Court of Justice reference, or a renewed Zoll decision in a higher court.

Doubts have been raised about the legality of the seizure measures in the case.

State Environment Minister Till Backhaus confirms the ship is in a lawful condition and notes it is sheltered near Rügen for safety, with the coast guard keeping watch.

The ruling under consideration addresses broader legal questions and potential outcomes in the Eventin saga.

Activists warn of environmental risks to the southern Baltic Sea and urge potentially pumping out the oil if allowed to remain.