French naval forces seized a tanker carrying Russian oil in the Mediterranean Sea this morning, continuing efforts to disrupt Moscow’s revenue streams.
France Intercepts Another Russian Oil Tanker
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the seizure via X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of a helicopter hovering over the tanker. He stated that the French navy had stopped another vessel from the “shadow fleet” in the Mediterranean Sea.
Macron emphasized France’s commitment to this course of action, asserting that ships circumventing international sanctions and violating maritime law are funding Russia’s war effort.
Disrupting Revenue Streams to Fund the War
The President reiterated that Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine will not deter France from supporting Kyiv. He also highlighted that vessels bypassing sanctions are financing Russia’s military operations.
Expansion of the “Shadow Fleet”
Macron previously announced plans to increase pressure on the shadow fleet, which allows Russia to profit from oil exports while evading sanctions. In January, France intercepted the sanctioned tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean, and in September 2023, another Russian-linked vessel off its western coast.
The EU’s list of shadow fleet vessels currently includes approximately 590 ships. Experts estimate that up to 90% of Russian oil exports are transported by sea.
A Fleet of Aging Tankers
Since 2022, Russia has been building a shadow fleet comprised of aging, often illegally operated tankers to deliver oil to buyers, primarily in Asia. These vessels frequently sail under the flags of countries like Panama, Gambia, Barbados, and the Comoros.
Reports indicate the fleet now consists of as many as 1200 ships. The primary export route, including shipments to Asian markets, runs through the Baltic Sea, from ports in the European part of Russia, particularly Ust-Luga.
These shadow fleet tankers often operate without valid insurance or inspections, disregarding regulations followed by legitimate vessels.