EU’s Irini Mission Transformed into Countermeasure Against Russia‘s Dark Fleet in Mediterranean
The European Union’s naval mission, Irini, established six years ago to enforce the arms embargo on Libya, has been gradually transformed into a tool to counter Russia‘s exports and dark fleet in the Mediterranean. This development was announced by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who stated that “every seized, stopped, or blocked vessel means reduced income for Russia to finance this war.”
Irini’s New Mandate
Currently, Irini’s naval forces are headquartered in Sigonella, Italy, under the command of Italian Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri. The force consists of the Italian Thaon di Revel-class patrol ship ITS Francesco Morosini (P431) and the Greek Elli-class frigate HS Kanaris (F-464). The force is supported by a Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 maritime surveillance aircraft provided by Luxembourg, based in Malta, and a PZL M28B Bryza maritime surveillance aircraft provided by Poland.
Initial Challenges
According to Maritime Executive, Irini’s expanded mandate against the dark fleet appears to have gotten off to a rocky start, facing limitations imposed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for intercepting vessels at sea, even those authorized and despite irregularities in registrations. Since the mission’s expansion, Irini has reported seizing three vessels.
Recent Interceptions
On June 7, Irini conducted an inspection of the Sandhya (37,159 dwt), an Indian-owned oil tanker flying a Cameroonian flag and subject to EU and British sanctions. The vessel was en route from Brazil to Turkey. On June 1, a boarding party inspected the Aframax Oneiroi (105,585 dwt), a Cameroonian-flagged oil tanker carrying approximately 100,000 barrels of petroleum. Despite being detained and searched, the Oneiroi managed to reach Port Said on June 5 and is expected to offload at Vadinar in Gujarat on June 16.
First Vessel Seized
The first vessel seized by Irini was the Suezmax Nelsa (156,760 dwt), a Cameroonian-flagged oil tanker owned by an Azerbaijani company and subject to EU and UK sanctions. The Nelsa, measuring 274 meters in length, had loaded at Novorossiysk and transited the Bosphorus on June 2 before proceeding through the Suez Canal en route to India.
Unclear Outcomes
It remains unclear what Irini’s inspections revealed or why the vessels were allowed to continue their journeys.
Original Article: Italia alla guida delle navi Ue contro la dark fleet russa nel Mediterraneo — Shippingitaly (Italian) | View English Translation