France Accepts Plea Deal for Shadow Fleet Tanker Tagor
French authorities have accepted a plea deal that will result in the release of the shadow fleet tanker Tagor, according to a report published on July 2, 2026, by The Maritime Executive. The vessel, a crude oil tanker of 114,809 deadweight tons, was boarded by French troops on May 31 while sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Tagor was traveling from Murmansk when it was boarded on suspicion of sailing without a legitimate flag. French troops inspected the tanker and ordered it to proceed to the French coast. The vessel had previously been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States for its involvement in the Russian oil trade.
Vessel’s History Revealed
Records indicate that the vessel has been sailing since July 2025, initially claiming a flag in Guinea, then Madagascar, and most recently Cameroon, with each flag listed as false. The owner of the Tagor, reportedly based in Abu Dhabi, admitted guilt as part of the plea deal.
French Campaign Against Shadow Fleet Continues
The Tagor is the fourth crude oil tanker that France has stopped since it began these efforts in September 2025. Each of the previous vessels was ultimately fined and released, though the French courts also tried the Chinese master of the first vessel in absentia. The others each paid fines. France is currently still holding a fifth shadow fleet tanker, named Discover, which was interdicted last week.
Russian Response to Interventions
Russia has continued to characterize these interventions as piracy and has taken steps to increase protection for the shadow fleet. Russian warships have been observed escorting vessels in busy seaways such as the Baltic Sea and the English Channel. There are also reports of armed guards with a Russian military background on some ships, and pictures have recently emerged showing military submachine guns above the bridge of a Russian gas carrier sailing in the Baltic.
Tagor‘s Next Steps
The Automatic Identification System signal for the Tagor shows it remains off the French coast, but it is expected to get underway, broadcasting a destination of Istanbul.
Original Article: Shadow Fleet Tanker Tagor Released After €1 Million Fine Under French Plea Deal — Indexbox