Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in Mediterranean
An EU naval mission led by Italy boarded a tanker from Russia‘s so-called “shadow fleet” on Sunday, the second such operation in less than two weeks as Europe intensifies scrutiny of vessels suspected of helping Moscow circumvent oil sanctions.
Italy‘s Defence Ministry said 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.
Boarding and Inspection
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, the ministry said. Italian military personnel boarded the vessel from a helicopter launched by the Thaon di Revel, the EU’s EUNAVFOR MED’s flagship.
Initially, the Toa Payoh’s captain failed to cooperate with the EU mission, prompting the team of Italian military personnel to board the vessel. The crew refused to comply, but the inspection was completed without incident.
Context and Sanctions
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. EUNAVFOR MED Irini is an EU naval mission launched in 2020 to enforce a UN arms embargo on Libya.
EU governments have since broadened its scope, authorising it to conduct verification boardings. The 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.
Response and Next Steps
There was no immediate comment from Russia. The documentation gathered during the boarding is still being examined and could be used by national authorities for a subsequent sequestration if necessary.
Original Article: Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in Mediterranean — Com