France Boards Tanker Linked to Russian Shadow Fleet in Mediterranean
France has seized an oil tanker suspected of flying a false flag and belonging to Russia‘s shadow fleet, a network of vessels that enables Moscow to export oil despite Western sanctions. The operation was carried out with British allies, the French Mediterranean prefecture said.
The Mozambique-flagged oil tanker, named Deyna, had been sailing from the Russian port of Murmansk when it was boarded by the French Navy. Local officials told Reuters earlier on Friday that the navy had suspected the ship of flying a false flag and had been monitoring its movements.
Rise of Russian Shadow Fleet
The seizure comes as Western sanctions imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine have led to the rise of a shadow fleet of tankers helping Moscow keep its crude exports flowing. The shadow fleet vessels typically have opaque ownership structures, which raises concerns about environmental risks.
A Western military source said the tanker was carrying Russian crude oil. Shadow fleet vessels usually sail without top-tier Western insurance or safety certification cover, and often have unknown insurers or assessors of the vessels’ seaworthiness – both required for ocean-going commercial ships.
French Authorities Adopt More Assertive Posture
The operation was carried out at the request of the prosecutor’s office, which will likely focus on vessel documentation, including flag state registration and P&I Club insurance. The inspection will scrutinize any discrepancies or evidence of falsified documents.
Recent public statements by French authorities suggest a more assertive posture, indicating a realistic possibility that this case could escalate further. Should material irregularities or violations be identified, French authorities may proceed with the formal seizure of the vessel.
International Reactions
The Russian embassy in France did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but Moscow has previously called the seizure of its tankers or vessels carrying its cargoes an act of piracy. The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on the sale of Russian oil as the Middle East war disrupts oil supplies and boosts prices.
Britain’s Defence Minister John Healey said in a post on X that its armed forces had supported the French operation, saying that “disrupting, deterring and degrading Russia‘s shadow fleet – and starving Putin’s war machine of funds – is a priority for this government” and its allies.
Original Article: France boards tanker it says is linked to Russian shadow fleet in Mediterranean | Reuters — Reuters