French Authorities Allow Russian “Shadow Fleet” Tanker Deyna to Depart Marseille Port
French authorities have allowed the oil tanker Deyna (IMO: 9299903), part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” to leave the port of Marseille, according to an announcement by the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean. The vessel had been detained in late March.
The detention was a result of a court case against the company that owns the tanker, which accused the crew of using a false flag. The shipowner was unable to confirm its right to sail under the flag of Mozambique, which the tanker had been flying. This is not an isolated incident; the use of false flags is a common practice used by “shadow fleet” tankers, making them harder to track.
Court Fines Shipowner for Lack of Flag
Before being allowed to leave Marseille, a court reviewed the case against the shipowner. French authorities accused the crew of using a false flag and fined the company “for having failed to justify the nationality of the ship (lack of flag),” though the amount was not disclosed. The shipowner agreed to remedy the violations in the near future.
Tanker’s Current Destination Revealed
According to data from the Starboard Maritime Intelligence ship tracking service reviewed by The Insider, the tanker left Marseille on the evening of April 15. Its current destination is listed as the port of Rizhao in China.
Original Article: France releases Russian “shadow fleet” tanker Deyna detained in late March — Theins