French Navy Boards Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker In Mediterranean

France has boarded an oil tanker in the western Mediterranean that it believes is part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

The tanker, named Deyna, was sailing from the Russian port of Murmansk and was flying the flag of Mozambique. French authorities said there were doubts about the ship’s registration and documents.

Naval forces stopped the vessel on Friday and carried out checks at sea before escorting it to an anchorage point near Marseille for further inspection under the orders of a prosecutor.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the ship was linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of vessels used to keep oil exports moving despite Western sanctions.

He said such ships break international rules and help fund Russia’s war. He also made it clear that rising tensions in the Middle East would not change France’s position on supporting Ukraine.

A security source said officials will now examine the tanker’s paperwork in detail, including its flag registration and insurance cover.

Any mismatch or fake documents could lead to the vessel being seized. These checks are standard for ships suspected of hiding their identity or ownership.

The operation was carried out with support from the United Kingdom. British Defence Secretary John Healey said his country’s forces helped track the ship and that stopping such vessels is important to cut off funds linked to Russia’s war effort.

Russia has earlier called such actions piracy and has denied wrongdoing when its ships are targeted.

Shadow fleet vessels are usually older tankers operating under unclear ownership. Many of them do not have proper Western insurance or safety certification. Industry sources say this increases the risk of oil spills and mechanical failures, especially on long voyages.

France has taken similar action before. In January, it stopped another tanker in the Mediterranean suspected of carrying Russian oil under questionable conditions.

That ship was later released after paying a heavy fine. French forces have also supported other European countries in tracking similar vessels in recent months.

References: Reuters, AP News