French Authorities Intercept Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Atlantic

The French Navy has detained the oil tanker TAGOR, a sanctioned vessel linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, which is flying the Madagascar flag, French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 1.

The interception took place in the Atlantic Ocean as the tanker was traveling from Russian territory.

French naval forces carried out the operation with support from several international partners, including the United Kingdom.

Macron said vessels of this kind directly violate maritime law and help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The French President also warned that shadow fleet tankers pose risks beyond sanctions evasion.

“Vessels that do not comply with the most basic rules of maritime navigation also pose a threat to the environment and the safety of all,” Macron said.

According to VesselFinder data, the TAGOR was located off Norway’s western coast in late May and had departed from Murmansk.

The tanker is now the third Russian shadow fleet oil vessel detained by France.

Ukraine’s partners have now imposed the largest sanctions regime in modern history on Russia. Moscow responded by building a parallel maritime system stretching from the UAE to Africa, where weak maritime registries became a cover for its shadow fleet.

Earlier, the United Kingdom insisted that its sanctions regime against Russia remains among the toughest in the world, despite issuing temporary exemptions allowing certain imports of fuel linked to Russian energy supplies.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT