Maritime Sanctions: French Navy Boards Russian Tanker
A recent maritime sanctions article highlights a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Western nations. The French Navy has boarded a tanker from Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of ageing oil tankers that have been used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The vessel, designated as Boracay by the European Union and blacklisted in February under its new name Kiwala, had been stationed off Denmark from September 22 to 25. This raised concerns over potential drone flights and military activities in the region. French military personnel were on board the tanker when it was boarded, further fueling speculation about the vessel’s involvement.
The Boracay is a 244-meter-long (801-foot) tanker built in 2007, which has been anchored off Saint-Nazaire in western France for several days. The ship is suspected of being involved in mystery drone flights that disrupted air traffic in Denmark in September. Satellite imagery and shipping data have revealed that the tankers in question had continued to sail unimpeded in European waters after leaving oil slicks near the continent’s shores.
The French Navy’s involvement highlights the importance of European efforts to stop Russia’s “shadow fleet” from aiding its circumvention of Western sanctions. The EU has sanctioned hundreds of ageing tankers used by Russia, including the Boracay. The public prosecutor’s office in Brest, France, has launched an investigation into the crew’s failure to justify the nationality of the vessel and their refusal to cooperate.
The probe is part of a broader effort by European nations to disrupt Russia’s war efforts, which are estimated to be worth tens of billions of euros. The “shadow fleet” is thought to represent 40% of Russia’s military budget and consists of 600-1,000 ships. This development underscores the need for continued cooperation between European nations in addressing this complex issue.
The French Navy’s actions have also raised concerns about the potential risks of drone flights in sensitive areas, including military sites and airports. The European Union has imposed restrictions on civilian drone flights over Russia and its territories to prevent disruptions to air traffic.
In response to the incident, France has stated that it is “probing” the vessel for “serious offences,” but has stopped short of confirming reports of a connection to Denmark’s drone flights. However, the French President’s comments suggest that there are serious concerns about the vessel’s activities and the potential risks they pose to European security.
The Boracay‘s involvement in Russia’s “shadow fleet” highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between European nations to address this complex issue. As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Western nations, it is essential that these efforts are sustained and strengthened to prevent further disruptions to global oil supplies and regional stability.
Original Article: French Navy Boards Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ship — Kyivpost