France detains Russian oil tanker Tagor in Atlantic, exposing shadow fleet loopholes
French naval forces have detained the Russian oil tanker *Tagor* in the Atlantic Ocean, intercepting a vessel suspected of evading international sanctions on Russian crude exports. The ship, which departed from Murmansk, was traveling under a false flag when French authorities boarded it on Monday, according to official statements and social media reports .
The *Tagor* is part of Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet"—a network of aging tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions by obscuring ownership, switching flags, and disabling transponders. Investigators say EU-linked insurers continue to underwrite these vessels, despite Brussels’ efforts to tighten restrictions in its 21st sanctions package . The detention marks France’s first high-profile enforcement action against the fleet, signaling a shift in Europe’s approach to policing Russian oil smuggling.
The tanker’s seizure comes as the EU prepares to expand sanctions targeting the shadow fleet’s logistical backbone, including port access, crew recruitment, and financial services. Analysts warn that while European insurers have formally withdrawn from Russian oil trades, loopholes persist, with some firms still providing coverage through third-party intermediaries .
Russia has increasingly relied on the shadow fleet to sustain oil exports since Western sanctions cut off access to mainstream shipping and insurance markets. The *Tagor*’s interception underscores the challenges of enforcing sanctions in international waters, where vessels frequently change names and flags to avoid detection. France’s action may prompt other EU members to step up naval patrols, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, where Russian tankers often transit.
France detains Russian oil tanker Tagor in Atlantic, exposing shadow fleet loopholes
- politico.eu
- financial times
Articles
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