French naval forces intercepted an oil tanker in the Western Mediterranean on Friday that officials suspect belongs to Russia’s covert shipping network designed to circumvent international sanctions, President Emmanuel Macron announced.
Maritime authorities confirmed to Reuters that naval personnel boarded the vessel Deyna, which flies under a Mozambican flag but was allegedly using false documentation. The ship had departed from Russia’s northern port of Murmansk before its interception.
This covert fleet of oil tankers has emerged as Russia’s method of maintaining crude oil exports despite economic restrictions imposed by Western nations following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated,” Macron stated on social media platform X.
“These ships, which circumvent international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are war profiteers. They seek to reap profits and finance Russia’s war effort,” the French president added.
Although European sanctions against Russian energy remain active, the United States has temporarily relaxed some restrictions on Russian oil purchases due to Middle Eastern conflicts affecting global energy markets and driving up prices.
Russian diplomatic officials in France have not responded to requests for comment, though Moscow has historically characterized the seizure of its vessels or ships carrying Russian cargo as acts of maritime piracy.
Military sources confirmed the intercepted tanker was transporting Russian crude oil.
These shadow fleet vessels typically operate through complex and unclear ownership arrangements, raising significant environmental concerns. The aging, poorly maintained tankers pose risks of oil spills, equipment breakdowns, and other maritime accidents that could damage ocean ecosystems.
Such ships commonly operate without premium Western insurance coverage or proper safety certifications, often relying on unknown insurance providers or unverified vessel inspectors – requirements that are standard for legitimate commercial maritime operations, according to shipping industry experts.
British forces assisted in the maritime operation, according to French Mediterranean command officials.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed on X that British military personnel supported the French-led mission, stating that “disrupting, deterring and degrading Russia’s shadow fleet – and starving Putin’s war machine of funds – is a priority for this government” and allied nations.
Following a prosecutor’s directive, the vessel was guided to a secure anchorage location for comprehensive examination, French military officials reported.
“These inspections will likely focus on vessel documentation, including flag state registration and P&I Club insurance, with particular scrutiny on any discrepancies or evidence of falsified documents,” a maritime security expert explained.
The source noted that recent public declarations by French officials suggest an increasingly aggressive approach, indicating this situation could develop into more serious legal action.
“Should material irregularities or violations be identified, French authorities may proceed with the formal seizure of the vessel,” the security source added.
This marks France’s second similar interception in recent months. In January, French forces stopped the oil tanker Grinch in waters between Spain’s southern coastline and Morocco’s northern shores, suspecting it of operating within Russia’s shadow fleet network.
French naval forces also provided support to Belgian authorities in a third operation conducted earlier this month.
