French Navy Seizes Russia-Linked Oil Tanker in Atlantic
The French Navy has intercepted and seized an oil tanker linked to Russia in the Atlantic Ocean, a vessel reportedly operating under international sanctions. This action was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, emphasizing France’s efforts to block the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ that ships oil to finance Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The seizure took place on Sunday morning and involved the tanker named Tagor, which had departed from Russia. The operation was conducted in international waters with support from France’s allies, including the United Kingdom. Macron underscored the importance of preventing sanctioned ships from circumventing international sanctions and violating maritime laws.
“It is unacceptable that ships circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and finance the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years,” Macron said. He also warned about the environmental risks posed by these shadow fleet vessels, which often disregard basic maritime navigation rules.
In a statement from the Maritime Prefecture of the Atlantic on Monday, French naval forces reported intercepting the tanker approximately 400 nautical miles off the coast of Brittany. The tanker had originated from Murmansk, Russia, and was suspected of flying a false flag to conceal its identity and intentions. After boarding the vessel and inspecting its documentation, the Navy confirmed these suspicions.
Following its seizure, the tanker has been escorted by French naval ships to an anchorage site where further inspections and verifications are underway. The French authorities have filed a report with the public prosecutor’s office in Brest, which holds jurisdiction over the matter.
This incident occurs amid rising revenues from Russian oil exports in recent weeks, partly driven by US waivers allowing the sale of Russian oil already loaded on tankers. These waivers have helped Asian buyers, particularly India, continue accessing Russian crude amid disruptions in Middle Eastern supply.
France’s move reflects broader international efforts to enforce sanctions on Russia and disrupt oil shipments that provide funding for the conflict in Ukraine. The interception of the Tagor highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring and controlling the movement of sanctioned vessels on the high seas.