France’s military has intercepted a tanker believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which aims to bypass Western sanctions. This operation, targeting the vessel DF Peak, prompted a sharp response from Moscow, labeling the seizure an act of “piracy.” The tanker, formerly known as the Kaliningrad and flagged from Benin, marks the fifth vessel associated with Russia to be seized by France in 2024. Concerns arose regarding the legitimacy of the ship’s flag, leading to an inspection ordered by French authorities.
In light of sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, which are intended to diminish its oil revenue, a fleet of old, unregulated vessels has emerged. These ships allow Moscow to maintain its crude oil exports. In a recent development, US sanctions on Russian diesel were temporarily relaxed amid disruptions in oil supplies due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, raising prices.
President Emmanuel Macron has committed to combating these shadow fleets globally, emphasizing the need for enforcement against those transporting illicit fuel. The intercepted tanker, partially loaded and tracked last off Madagascar, is linked to a network that often utilizes various flags to obscure ownership and cargo details, making it challenging to enforce sanctions effectively.
