French Authorities Board Sanctioned Shadow Fleet Tanker in Atlantic
French troops boarded a sanctioned crude oil tanker suspected of sailing under a false flag on May 31. The tanker, named Tagor (114,800 dwt), is being redirected to an anchorage near Brest, France, marking the fourth time since September 2025 that France has intercepted a shadow tanker and brought it into French waters for prosecution.
The prefect for the Atlantic region reports that the tanker was intercepted more than 400 nautical miles west of Brittany while traveling from Murmansk, Russia. Its AIS signal showed the vessel was heading to Cameroon, stating its status as “for orders.” The French authorities confirmed the suspicion over the flag being flown during an initial inspection by troops.
International Efforts and Sanctions
The tanker has been sailing under the name Tagor since 2024, with reports indicating it is managed from the UAE. Lloyd’s withdrew its class certification in July 2025. The ship’s flag was listed as unknown and falsely in Guinea and Madagascar in 2025. The United States sanctioned the tanker in 2025, as did the EU, and the UK listed it earlier this year.
Greek authorities cited the tanker for 20 deficiencies during an inspection in December 2023. It was detained for 11 days, but Russian authorities gave the vessel a clean inspection with only one deficiency for paperwork in 2025.
French President’s Advocacy and Previous Interceptions
French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated since last year for intervention to stop shadow fleet tankers, stating even a few days’ delay hurts their finances. This is the second time the French have stopped a tanker in the Atlantic, after one in September 2025. France also stopped two shadow fleet tankers in the Mediterranean but later released them with fines.
Russian Reactions and Crew Details
Russian officials immediately called the seizure illegal and international piracy, advising that the captain is believed to be a Russian citizen. There are 23 crew members aboard the Tagor. The prefect reports the tanker will arrive off France on Tuesday morning, June 2, with an exclusion zone established around the vessel while prosecutors continue their investigation.
The French authorities have worked with partners, including the British, on the interdiction of the tanker. This latest seizure marks a continued effort by France to combat shadow fleet tankers and uphold international sanctions.
Original Article: France Boards Sanctioned Shadow Fleet Tanker in the Atlantic — The Maritime Executive