French Navy Detains Russian-Linked Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean
France’s navy detained an oil tanker called the DF Peak that belongs to the “shadow fleet” on October 12, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. The vessel was seized more than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
The authorities suspect that the tanker was flying a false flag and illegally transporting fuel. According to data from Marinetraffic, the tanker was sailing under Benin’s flag and was headed to the port of Cruz Grande in Chile. It is unclear where the vessel had sailed from.
Background on the Detained Tanker
The magazine Maritime Executive reports that the tanker was built in 2006 and originally belonged to the company Sovcomflot, sailing under the name NS Captain. It was renamed Kaliningrad in 2024 and took its current name in 2025. Its operator is now a company based in Hong Kong.
Maritime Executive also notes that Benin’s national registry, whose flag the tanker flies, was once considered a haven for Russia-linked shadow fleet vessels. The U.S. sanctioned the tanker in February 2024, followed by sanctions from the European Union, Switzerland, Canada, the U.K., and Ukraine.
France’s Efforts to Combat Shadow Fleet
France has detained tankers belonging to the “shadow fleet,” including some reportedly linked to Russia, several times since the start of 2026. In January, French authorities detained the tanker Grinch. In March, they detained the tanker Deyna, which was allowed to leave the port of Marseille a month later. In June, French authorities detained the tankers Tagor and Deliver. Also in mid-June, the U.K. detained a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker for the first time after it tried to pass through the English Channel.
France’s actions demonstrate its commitment to combating the shadow fleet and upholding international sanctions against Russia. The detention of the DF Peak is just one example of France’s efforts to disrupt the illegal oil trade and protect global energy security.
Original Article: France seizes Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker in Indian Ocean — Meduza — Meduza