Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker Diverted to French Port by Naval Forces
Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker Diverted to French Port by Naval Forces
A Russian oil tanker suspected of being part of a “shadow fleet” has been intercepted by the French Navy in the Mediterranean.
The vessel, identified as the Grinch, was boarded by French forces between the coasts of Spain and Morocco.
French President, Emmanuel Macron announced the operation on Thursday, stating the ship was “subject to international sanctions.” He confirmed that the intervention was supported by several of France’s international allies on the high seas.
The tanker is believed to be using a “false flag” from the Comoros to bypass trade restrictions. International ship-tracking data confirmed that the vessel was sailing from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk when it was stopped.
Authorities diverted the tanker to the southern French port of Marseille-Fos for further inspection. It was expected to arrive at a designated anchorage on Saturday morning to undergo a formal investigation by French prosecutors.
The term “shadow fleet” refers to aging, unregulated vessels used by Russia to export oil despite Western sanctions. These ships often change their names and registration to move millions of barrels to markets in Asia.
The *Grinch* has been previously linked to various identities, including a sanctioned vessel known as the *Carl*. Experts noted that such ships often lack standard insurance, posing significant environmental and safety risks to international waters.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the French action, calling for more resolve to stop Russian oil revenues. This boarding marks the second major interception of a Russian-linked vessel by France in recent months.
