Macron Links Oil Tanker Off France to Russia’s Shadow Fleet

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on October 2 that an oil tanker immobilised off the Atlantic coast of France is linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, which is evading Western sanctions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The tanker was previously cited by European naval experts for potential involvement in drone operations over Denmark.

French naval forces boarded the vessel at the request of prosecutors, who suspected illegal activities. According to a military official, a judicial investigation has been initiated in the western French city of Brest due to the crew’s “refusal to cooperate” and their inability to provide the vessel’s nationality. The ship has been ordered to remain in place while the investigation proceeds.

The tanker, which has been named both Pushpa and Boracay, is currently stationed off the coast of Saint-Nazaire, France. It departed from a Russian oil terminal in Primorsk, near Saint Petersburg, on September 20, 2023. Macron highlighted the significance of French authorities’ intervention, stating, “I think it’s a good thing that this work has been done and that we’ve been able to stop it.”

Macron characterized the actions of the crew as “very serious wrongdoings,” which have prompted legal proceedings. He did not provide specific details but emphasized the broader implications of this case. The Russian Embassy in Paris did not respond to inquiries regarding the situation.

In response to questions about possible connections between the tanker and drone incidents in Denmark, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen refrained from commenting on specific investigations. She acknowledged ongoing challenges posed by the shadow fleet, particularly in the Baltic Sea, stating, “We are working very closely together to battle this situation.”

Macron’s remarks underscore the ongoing issue of the shadow fleet, which he described as a persistent challenge for Western nations. He noted that these vessels contribute significantly to Russia’s economy, financing an estimated 40% of its military efforts. Macron indicated that between 600 and 1,000 ships are currently transporting Russian oil and gas despite sanctions imposed by Ukraine’s allies.

The tanker, currently flagged under Benin, is on a list of vessels that have been targeted by European Union sanctions against Russia. The shadow fleet consists of aging tankers purchased from secondary markets, often owned by opaque companies registered in non-sanctioning countries. These vessels play a crucial role in helping Russian oil exporters circumvent price caps imposed by international authorities.

As the investigation continues, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring activities related to Russia’s shadow fleet, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.