Swedish authorities have lifted an operating ban on the oil tanker Sea Owl 1, allowing the vessel to leave the country after nearly seven months in detention over irregularities in its flag registration and documentation. The Swedish Transport Agency announced the decision on October 12, 2026, after confirming the tanker’s registration under the flag of Equatorial Guinea.

The 228-meter tanker was boarded by the Swedish Coast Guard on March 12 while anchored off Trelleborg, southern Sweden. Authorities initially found that the vessel was flying the flag of Comoros without valid registration. A subsequent attempt to register the tanker under the flag of Cameroon was also found to be invalid, leaving its flag status unresolved.

Following direct confirmation from Equatorial Guinea, Swedish authorities reviewed the vessel’s certificates and crew documentation. Investigations involving two of the tanker’s captains over suspected document-related offenses have since been closed. Authorities clarified that the vessel was not suspected of violating sanctions, although its registration and documentation raised concerns.

Despite the lifting of the operating ban, Sea Owl 1 remains on the European Union’s sanctions list due to its involvement in Russia’s oil trade. The case highlights ongoing efforts by European authorities to address questionable vessel registrations and strengthen maritime safety oversight of ships associated with Russia’s shadow fleet.