EU Forces Board Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in Mediterranean
EU forces intercepted and boarded a suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, MV Sun, in the Mediterranean on Sunday, according to the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. The operation was conducted as part of Operation Irini, which aims to enforce an UN arms embargo on Libya and counter illegal activities in the region.
The boarding was carried out for “flag verification,” following suspicions that the vessel was sailing under a false flag in breach of international maritime law. This is the sixth suspected shadow fleet ship boarded by EU operations in recent months. Kallas confirmed that measures targeting Russia‘s shadow fleet would be on the agenda at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Ireland on Tuesday.
The MV Sun tanker was intercepted by the Italian navy’s Thaon di Revel to the west of the island of Pantelleria as it was making its way from the port of Cotonou in Benin to Istanbul. The operation is part of a broader effort by the EU and other Western countries to disrupt Russia‘s ability to evade sanctions on its oil industry.
Russian Shadow Fleet: A Critical Lifeline for Moscow
Russia uses its shadow fleet to evade Western sanctions on its oil industry, which prevent Moscow from chartering or insuring tankers unless it complies with certain restrictions. The country’s shadow fleet gets around these restrictions by utilising complex ownership structures, flags of convenience and other tactics designed to mask the origin of its cargo.
The Russian government has been accused of using its shadow fleet to illegally export oil and circumvent international sanctions. This has led to concerns about the impact on global energy markets and the ability of Western countries to enforce their sanctions.
International Efforts to Disrupt Russia’s Shadow Fleet
In addition to the EU’s Operation Irini, other Western countries have also taken steps to disrupt Russia‘s shadow fleet. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French forces had intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, Deliver, as it was sailing off the coast of Sicily “in violation of maritime law”.
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s foreign minister thanked the UK for its “leadership and decisive action” after British forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet ship in the English Channel. The operation lasted six hours and involved Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
These international efforts demonstrate the growing concern about Russia‘s use of its shadow fleet to evade sanctions and undermine global energy markets. As tensions continue to rise, it is likely that these efforts will only intensify in the coming months.
Original Article: Suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker boarded by EU forces in the Mediterranean — Euronews