Estonia released the oil tanker Kiwala that was detained for not having a valid flag.

The Estonian Navy detained the tanker bound for Russia and boarded it on April 11, 2019. The tanker is believed to be a part of the so-called “shadow fleet” of older vessels that are used to transport crude oil and other goods to circumvent international sanction.

These vessels are not insured or regulated by Western companies.

Estonian authorities reported that at the time the tanker was seized, it was flying the Djibouti flag. However, the authorities in Djibouti denied the vessel's registration.

The vessel was released when the Estonian Transport Authority (ETA) received confirmation from Djibouti confirming that the country would accept it on its registry up until May 7.

LSEG data shows that the Kiwala, which left Estonian waters Saturday, was anchored early Monday near Ust-Luga, a Russian port.

Djibouti's authorities did not respond to requests for comment immediately. (Editing by Jason Neely).

(source: Reuters)