Boracay Tanker Sets Sail from French Waters Amid Sanctions Investigation
The Boracay, a tanker suspected of being part of Russia‘s “shadow fleet” and under Western sanctions, has departed from its anchorage off western France, according to MarineTraffic data. The vessel was heading southwest down the Bay of Biscay at cruise speed early on Friday.
The sudden departure comes after the ship was raided by French Navy commandos over the weekend. It is unclear why the vessel was allowed to depart, as both local French maritime authorities and the Brest prosecutor’s office, which has been investigating the Benin-flagged vessel over its nationality, declined to comment.
Prior to its detention, the Boracay was destined for India‘s Vadinar port, home to a Nayara Energy refinery. However, Reuters could not confirm whether that was indeed the ship’s intended destination.
European Strategy Unfolds: Macron Speaks on Vessel Detention
French President Emmanuel Macron explained the vessel’s detention as part of a broader European strategy to combat Russia‘s oil revenue stream, which helps fund its war efforts in Ukraine. The Boracay‘s detention is seen as a key component in this effort.
To skirt Western sanctions, Russia has been increasingly relying on old vessels, known as the shadow fleet, to ship its oil and gas. This tactic aims to circumvent international restrictions by using older, less sophisticated ships that are not subject to the same level of scrutiny.
Drone Incursions: Unclear Link to Boracay‘s Activities
Macron also mentioned that it is unclear whether the vessel was involved in drone incursions in Denmark last week, which shut Danish airports close to the route the ship had been sailing from the Baltic to the North Sea. The incident has raised concerns about potential security risks and the effectiveness of Western sanctions.
The Boracay‘s departure from French waters marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Russia‘s shadow fleet. As international tensions continue to escalate, the vessel’s activities will remain under close scrutiny.
Original Article: – Cyprus Shipping News — Cyprusshippingnews