France Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet in Mediterranean
In a significant maritime operation, France has detained an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea that is believed to be connected to Russia’s illicit “shadow fleet.” This move underscores ongoing international efforts to enforce sanctions against Russian oil amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This seizure of the tanker, named the Grinch, represents a vital step in the fight against the covert network that Russia allegedly employs to bypass sanctions placed by the West. With countries like France and the UK stepping up maritime enforcement, this incident highlights the international community’s determination to curtail funding for Russia’s military actions.
Key Developments
- French President Emmanuel Macron announced the seizure, stating the tanker was suspected of violating international sanctions.
- The Grinch, which was sailing under a Comoros flag, was intercepted between Spain and Morocco with assistance from the UK navy.
- The search confirmed suspicions about the vessel’s registration and flagged concerns regarding its legitimacy.
- UK Defence Secretary John Healy noted that their navy provided support in tracking the tanker, emphasizing a collective response against shadow vessels.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the seizure, urging further actions to ensure that Russian oil does not finance the war.
- This operation follows the UK’s earlier sanctions against 544 vessels in the shadow fleet.
Full Report
Details of the Seizure
The French navy, in coordination with UK allies, boarded the Grinch on Thursday morning while it was en route from Russia’s Arctic port of Murmansk. Macron stated that the tanker was “subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.” Following the boarding, French maritime authorities confirmed irregularities concerning the vessel’s flag registration.
International Responses
Russia’s embassy in Paris claimed it had not been notified about the seizure. President Macron asserted the importance of upholding international law, emphasizing the seizure was aimed at undermining the financial networks funding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He pointed out that the shadow fleet plays a critical role in facilitating these finances.
Statements from Allied Nations
UK Defence Secretary Healy underscored the collaboration between allied nations, stating that the UK navy provided vital tracking support while HMS Dagger monitored the tanker’s movements. His comments highlight a broader commitment among allies to counter vessels operating outside the law.
Ukrainian Support and Calls for Action
In a statement on the social media platform X, President Zelensky expressed fondness for the seizure, calling for the apprehension and possible confiscation of oil from such tankers. His remarks pointed to a greater European responsibility to act decisively against threats to security, encouraging discussions to transform into tangible actions.
Context & Previous Events
Many Western countries have placed sanctions on Russian energy exports since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In January, British forces assisted in seizing a Russian-flagged tanker that was reported to have breached sanctions by transporting oil for both Venezuela and Russia. The previous October, France seized another tanker named the Boracay before subsequently releasing it. Shadow fleets, networks of vessels hiding their origins to evade sanctions, have been employed by countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to continue oil trading despite global restrictions. Financial analysts estimate that approximately one in five oil tankers globally is associated with such smuggling operations.
