French foreign minister says sanctioned Russian tanker departed after ‘costly’ detention
The French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, announced on Tuesday that a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” has departed French waters after being immobilized for weeks and paying millions of euros. The development comes as a warning against evading EU sanctions.
Sanctioned Tanker Departs French Waters
According to Barrot, the Russian-owned tanker Grinch left French waters after shelling out several million euros and three weeks of costly immobilization at Fos-sur-Mer. While Barrot did not specify the exact amount paid or provide further details about the tanker’s ownership or cargo, his statement underscores the financial toll imposed on Russia’s shadow fleet.
The Grinch’s departure from French waters marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb Kremlin revenues and enforce restrictions on energy exports. European governments have increasingly targeted Russia’s “shadow fleet,” aging or obscurely owned ships accused of transporting sanctioned oil, as part of these efforts.
Fos-sur-Mer: A Key Hub for Scrutiny
Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, is a major Mediterranean oil and shipping hub where authorities have tightened scrutiny of vessels suspected of helping Moscow bypass Western sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine. The region’s strategic location makes it an important chokepoint for monitoring the movement of sanctioned goods.
As part of these efforts, European governments are working to identify and intercept vessels involved in circumventing sanctions. This includes increasing surveillance and inspections at key ports like Fos-sur-Mer, where authorities have already taken steps to tighten scrutiny of suspect vessels.
EU Sanctions: A Growing Concern
The Russian “shadow fleet” has become a growing concern for European governments as they seek to enforce restrictions on energy exports and curb Kremlin revenues. The aging or obscurely owned ships accused of transporting sanctioned oil pose a significant challenge, as they often operate in the shadows, making it difficult to track their movements.
Despite these challenges, European governments remain committed to enforcing sanctions and cracking down on Russia’s shadow fleet. As Barrot’s statement highlights, the financial toll imposed on Russia’s shadow fleet serves as a warning against evading EU sanctions.
Original Article: French foreign minister says sanctioned Russian tanker departed after ‘costly’ detention — Ednews