French Navy Intercepts Russian Tanker Amid Sanctions
PARIS: On Thursday, the French navy intercepted a Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, believed to be part of a network that allows Russia to export oil despite international sanctions.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the operation on social media, stating that it was conducted in collaboration with several allies and in line with international maritime laws.
The tanker was intercepted in the high seas, specifically between southern Spain and northern Morocco. According to the French maritime police, the operation also had support from other navies, including the British.
British Defense Minister John Healey confirmed that the UK provided tracking support for the mission, including the vessel HMS Dagger, which monitored the tanker named GRINCH as it navigated through the Straits of Gibraltar.
Russia Adapts to Sanctions
Despite facing 19 rounds of sanctions from the European Union, Russia has managed to continue selling oil to countries like India and China, often at discounted rates. This is largely facilitated by a so-called “shadow fleet,” which comprises vessels operating outside the usual maritime regulations.
The intercepted tanker was traveling from Murmansk in northern Russia and is under international sanctions. President Macron mentioned that it was suspected of operating under a false flag, as it was sailing under the Comoros flag.
“The shadow fleet’s operations help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Macron added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the interception, calling it the determination needed in current times. He proposed that the oil from these tankers should be seized and sold.
The case has now been forwarded to the prosecutor in Marseille, who will look into the maritime law aspects. This prosecutor has ordered the tanker to be rerouted for further investigation. Meanwhile, Moscow raised concerns, claiming that France did not inform them before the interception, and the Russian consulate is trying to verify if any Russian citizens are part of the crew.
In a similar incident in October, France detained another sanctioned tanker, the Boracay, off its western coast, although it was released after a few days.
