Italian-led EU Force Boards Sanctioned Tanker from Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ in Mediterranean
An Italian military helicopter flies above the oil tanker Toa Payoh, foreground, as the Italian Navy ship Thaon di Revel sails nearby during an inspection by the European Union’s EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission in international waters west of the Italian island of Pantelleria, August 2, 2026. The Italian Defence Ministry said the EU-sanctioned tanker declared it was sailing under a Cameroon flag and described it as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. Photo: Italian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS.
Italy’s Defence Ministry announced that an Italian-led European Union naval mission, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, boarded a tanker from Russia’s “shadow fleet” on Sunday. This marks 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.
EU Naval Mission Conducts Inspection
The source said the EU naval mission did not have the authority to seize vessels during such inspections, meaning the Toa Payoh was not detained. However, documentation gathered during the boarding was still being examined and could be used by national authorities for a subsequent sequestration if necessary.
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. The Toa Payoh’s captain 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 flagship.
Context: Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ and EU 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. The EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission was launched in 2020 to enforce a UN arms embargo on Libya, but 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 also sailing under a false flag. There was no immediate comment from Russia.
This development underscores Europe’s commitment to enforcing sanctions and monitoring vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
Original Article: Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in Mediterranean — Tbsnews