EU Naval Mission Boards Sanctioned Tanker from Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
Maritime authorities launched the inspection to verify that the Toa Payoh, a tanker subject to EU sanctions, was legally entitled to fly the Cameroon flag and that its registration documents were valid.
The Toa Payoh, a tanker suspected of helping Moscow circumvent oil sanctions, was intercepted west of the Sicilian island of Pantelleria while sailing from Benin to Istanbul. Italy’s Defence Ministry confirmed the boarding, which was carried out with the support of a Greek vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft.
Initial Resistance and Cooperation
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’s flagship. The inspection lasted about two hours and was completed safely.
Context and Previous Operations
The boarding is part of an intensified scrutiny of vessels suspected of helping Russia circumvent oil sanctions. In July, the MV South Star, another tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, was inspected by Irini forces over suspicions it was sailing under a false flag. The European Union has imposed sanctions on scores of vessels that form part of a “shadow fleet” used by Russia to circumvent restrictions on its oil exports since its invasion of Ukraine.
EU Naval Mission and Sanctions
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, authorizing it to conduct verification boardings. The mission has been involved in several operations aimed at disrupting Russia’s ability to circumvent oil sanctions.
Consequences and Next Steps
The documentation gathered during the boarding is still being examined and could be used by national authorities for a subsequent sequestration if necessary. There was no immediate comment from Russia on the latest operation.
Original Article: Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in Mediterranean — Eualive