French Navy Seizes Tanker Linked to Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
France‘s navy seized another tanker suspected of being linked to Russia‘s “shadow fleet” on Thursday, underscoring the escalation this year in European efforts to enforce sanctions and squeeze one of Moscow’s main revenue streams.
The seizure marks the ninth suspected shadow fleet tanker to be taken into custody across Europe since the start of 2026. France has been at the forefront of these efforts, with four tankers seized by French authorities so far. The British navy also seized an oil tanker in the English Channel on June 14 as part of its own efforts to enforce sanctions.
European Naval Mission Inspects Additional Tankers
In addition to the seizures, a Western military source revealed that three more suspected shadow fleet tankers have been inspected as part of a European naval mission in the Mediterranean. This brings the total number of vessels inspected or seized to 12 since the start of the year.
The Russian embassy in France has condemned the seizure as “another case of piracy” and “illegal and unacceptable from the point of view of international law.” According to preliminary information, there are no Russian citizens among the crew members, the embassy said.
Shadow Fleet’s Role in Evading Sanctions
Much of Russia‘s oil exports continue to flow through what is known as a shadow fleet operating outside the Western maritime industry. This fleet uses aging tankers and opaque ownership structures to evade oversight and skirt international sanctions. The military source revealed that the seized tanker, Deliver, was operating under a Cameroonian flag despite having been formally struck off Cameroon’s registry weeks earlier.
This enabled France to board and detain the vessel, as it was navigating without nationality and breaching international maritime law. Cameroonian authorities have warned about the increasing misuse of their flag by sanctioned vessels and ships linked to Russia‘s shadow fleet.
European Countries Step Up Enforcement Efforts
Since the start of the year, European countries have stepped up detentions and inspections across critical maritime routes, including the Baltic Sea, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean. These routes are key for Russian oil exports to Asian markets, which continue to be a significant source of revenue for Moscow.
Despite these efforts, Russia has adapted to most measures and continues to sell millions of barrels of oil to countries such as India and China, usually at discounted prices. European Union countries are negotiating a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, but it remains to be seen whether these will be effective in curtailing Moscow’s ability to evade sanctions.
France‘s President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the determination of Europe to enforce sanctions and prevent the shadow fleet from circumventing them. “We will not let the shadow fleet circumvent sanctions and finance the Russian war effort,” he said on social media after announcing the seizure of the Deliver.
Original Article: France Seizes ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker, Stepping Up Pressure on Russia — Insurancejournal