French Court Imposes Fine, Releases Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker
France has allowed the Deyna, a tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, to leave the port of Marseille after a court hearing imposed a fine on its owner. The vessel put to sea on April 16 and is heading for international waters.
The Marseille court heard a case against the Deyna‘s owner over the use of a flag of convenience. The owner was unable to prove the right to fly the Mozambican flag under which the tanker had been sailing. As a result, the court imposed a fine, the amount of which has not been disclosed, and the owner agreed to remedy the violations as quickly as possible.
French President Macron’s Statement
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the detention of the Deyna on March 20. The tanker had been sailing from Murmansk under a Mozambican flag, Macron said, describing it as a vessel from Russia’s shadow fleet that had been violating sanctions and maritime law. He emphasized that France would not allow such ships to help Russia earn oil revenues that it uses to fund the war in Ukraine.
European Response to Shadow Fleet Tankers
European countries have repeatedly detained shadow fleet tankers carrying Russian oil in circumvention of Western sanctions, though in most cases the vessels are eventually released. The Deyna‘s release is part of a larger trend, as France and other European nations continue to enforce maritime law and sanction violators.
Despite this, the detention and subsequent release of the Deyna highlight the ongoing challenges faced by international authorities in combating Russia’s shadow fleet. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how effectively these measures will curb Russia’s ability to circumvent sanctions and fund its military efforts through illegal means.
Original Article: France releases Russian shadow fleet tanker after Marseille court imposes fine — Meduza — Meduza