Tánaiste & Oil Tanker Tracking: US Permission Unknown

A U.S. naval aircraft flew over Irish airspace yesterday afternoon to monitor a vessel, the Marinera, previously sanctioned by the United States due to its links with Iran. The incident has prompted discussion regarding Ireland’s airspace regulations and national security.

Monitoring of the Marinera

The Marinera, which attempted to evade authorities by changing its name to Bella and re-registering under a Russian flag, was recently scheduled to pick up oil from Venezuela ahead of a potential U.S. naval blockade. Satellite data placed the vessel approximately 400km west of Ireland, traveling north outside of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Irish Air Corps also monitored the tanker with its maritime surveillance aircraft, the C295, yesterday afternoon. The U.S. navy aircraft was deployed from the United Kingdom around the same time.

Airspace Regulations and Irish Neutrality

The U.S. military is permitted to fly over Ireland without prior notification if the aircraft is unarmed, carries only cargo and passengers, and adheres to navigational requirements. If a flight does not meet these criteria, advance permission from the Irish government is required.

Tánaiste Simon Harris stated he is unaware whether permission was sought for the U.S. military flight, but believes existing rules were followed. He also noted he wasn’t personally aware of this specific flight.

Retired Brigadier General Tony Cudmore suggested the incident should prompt a focus on Ireland’s security as the government finalizes its maritime security strategy, questioning what Ireland would do if a ship attempted to enter its territorial waters.

When asked about the impact of the U.S. operation on Ireland’s neutrality, Harris acknowledged Ireland’s neutral stance but emphasized that it “doesn’t mean that it’s immune or unconcerned about issues of national security.” He added, “Russia is carrying out a war of aggression in Europe…Russia is not a friend of Ireland or the EU.”

According to American media, the Marinera could become the third vessel seized by the United States as part of its pressure campaign on Venezuela.