EU Naval Mission Boards Sanctioned Tanker from Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
An EU naval mission led by Italy boarded a tanker from Russia‘s so-called “shadow fleet” on Sunday, marking the second such operation in less than two weeks as Europe intensifies scrutiny of vessels suspected of helping Moscow circumvent oil sanctions. The Toa Payoh, a tanker subject to EU sanctions, was intercepted west of the Sicilian island of Pantelleria while sailing from Benin to Istanbul.
The vessel had switched to a Cameroon registry only last week, according to a source familiar with the operation. Maritime authorities launched the inspection to verify that the tanker was legally entitled to fly the Cameroon flag and that its registration documents were valid. The EU naval mission, named operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini, did not have the authority to seize vessels during such inspections, meaning the Toa Payoh was not detained.
Initial Resistance from Captain
The captain of the Toa Payoh initially failed to cooperate with the EU mission, prompting a team of Italian military personnel to board the vessel from a helicopter launched by the Thaon di Revel, the EU’s EUNAVFOR MED’s flagship. The inspection, carried out with the support of a Greek vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft, lasted about two hours and was completed safely, according to Italy’s Defence Ministry.
Previous Boarding Operation
Sunday’s operation follows the July 20 boarding of the MV South Star, another tanker linked to Russia‘s shadow fleet that was inspected by Irini forces over suspicions it was sailing also under a false flag. The European Union has imposed sanctions on scores of vessels that it says form part of a “shadow fleet” used by Russia to circumvent restrictions on its oil exports since its invasion of Ukraine.
EU Naval Mission’s Expanded Scope
EUNAVFOR MED Irini is an EU naval mission launched in 2020 to enforce a U.N. arms embargo on Libya. EU governments have since broadened its scope, authorising it to conduct verification boardings. The mission has been conducting operations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, with the aim of ensuring compliance with international sanctions and preventing the transportation of illicit goods.
No Immediate Comment from Russia
There was no immediate comment from Russia on Sunday’s boarding operation. However, the incident highlights the EU’s efforts to crack down on vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which has been accused of helping Moscow circumvent oil sanctions imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
Original Article: Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in Mediterranean — Aol