International

Macron vows zero tolerance as French forces seize sanctioned oil vessel

The French Navy intercepted a suspicious oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday morning, January 22, as part of a crackdown on Russia’s clandestine "shadow fleet." The vessel is suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions.

President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the operation on social media, stating that France will show zero tolerance for such violations. The tanker, identified as the Grinch (also known as the Carl), was intercepted in international waters between Spain and North Africa.

Legal and military coordination

The operation was conducted in full compliance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). French maritime forces received tactical support from international allies, including the United Kingdom, to secure the vessel.

Preliminary inspections confirmed that the tanker was flying a fraudulent Comoros flag. Documents found on board failed to verify the ship's legal nationality, leading authorities to reroute the vessel for further investigation.

Targeting the shadow fleet

The Grinch had previously loaded cargo at the Russian port of Murmansk. It is currently listed under European Union and United States sanctions as part of a fleet used to fund the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

A judicial inquiry has been opened by the Public Prosecutor in Marseille. President Macron emphasized that dismantling these "ghost fleets" is essential to ensuring the effective application of global sanctions.

Tracking and seizure

Data from MarineTraffic confirmed the tanker was sailing between Almeria, Spain, and Oran, Algeria, at the time of the boarding. The French military remains on high alert to prevent further attempts by sanctioned entities to exploit Mediterranean trade routes.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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