French Navy Diverts Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker to Marseille-Fos Port
The French navy has diverted the Grinch oil tanker, which was detained on suspicion of operating under a false flag and belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” towards the port of Marseille-Fos for further investigation. The ship, sailing under a Comoros flag, had left the Russian port of Murmansk in early January.
The interception took place on high seas in the western Mediterranean, between the southern coast of Spain and the northern coast of Morocco, according to the French maritime police. Navies from other countries, including Britain, supported the operation.
EU Sanctions and Russia’s Adaptation
The European Union has imposed 19 packages of sanctions against Russia, but Moscow has adapted to most measures and continues to sell millions of barrels of oil to countries such as India and China, typically at discounted prices. Much of this oil is carried by what is known as a shadow fleet of vessels operating outside of the Western maritime industry.
In October, France detained another sanctioned tanker, the Boracay, off its west coast and released it after a few days. The Grinch‘s diversion to Marseille-Fos port marks another significant move in the ongoing efforts to enforce international sanctions against Russia.
Maritime Law Investigation
The office of the prosecutor of Marseille, which handles matters related to maritime law and is investigating the case, has confirmed that the ship has been diverted, but did not specify where it would be taken. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to determine whether the Grinch was indeed operating under a false flag and if it belongs to Russia’s shadow fleet.
The French navy‘s actions are part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions and continue exporting oil despite these measures. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention will remain focused on the Grinch and its potential connections to Russia’s shadow fleet.
Original Article: French Navy diverts suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker to Marseille-Fos port — Reuters