EU Detains Tanker Suspected of Belonging to Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
On Monday, 20 July, law enforcement agencies in the European Union detained the tanker MV South Star on suspicion of sailing under a false flag. It may belong to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’. This was reported on 22 July by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, according to Censor.NET.
The detention occurred as part of Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, with the tanker being held for violating international maritime law. The vessel was sailing under a false flag, which constitutes a violation of international maritime law. “We are stepping up the pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet… Every illegal voyage helps to sustain Russia’s war machine. We are backing up our sanctions with action at sea,” Kallas emphasized.
Other Tanker Detentions
On 14 June, the UK intercepted a tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet for the first time as it attempted to pass through the English Channel. This incident marked the first time that the UK had detained a vessel suspected of being part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’.
On 23 June, the French military intercepted the tanker Deliver, flying the Cameroonian flag, off the coast of Sicily. The vessel was en route from the Russian oil port of Primorsk to Singapore via the Suez Canal. This interception highlights the ongoing efforts by European authorities to monitor and deter illegal activities at sea.
The detentions are part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions through its ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers. The vessels, often flying flags of countries with which Russia has diplomatic relations, are used to transport oil and other goods in violation of international law.
Original Article: EU has detained tanker that may belong to Russia’s ’shadow fleet’, – Kallas. PHOTO — Censor