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France Detains Tanker Suspected of Sanctions Evasion, Calls for Increased European Pressure on Russian “Shadow Fleet”
French authorities are currently inspecting the tanker Boracay, built in 2007, which has been anchored off the coast of Sennazer, western France, for several days. The detention is part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia’s use of a “shadow fleet” to circumvent international sanctions imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at a meeting of European leaders in Denmark, urged other European nations to emulate France’s approach by detaining vessels suspected of aiding sanctions evasion. “You disrupt the business model by holding up, even for a few days or weeks, and forcing them to organize it differently,” Macron stated. He confirmed France is investigating the boracay for serious violations.
The move comes as the EU has sanctioned hundreds of older tankers utilized by Russia to bypass oil export restrictions. According to a French army source, between ten and fifteen ships from this “shadow fleet” regularly pass near Brest, France.
While reports have linked the Boracay and other vessels to potential involvement in unidentified drone flights near Denmark, Macron has not confirmed these connections. Previously, The Maritime executive reported the possibility of these ships being used as launch platforms or decoys for drones.
French Prime Minister sebastien Lekornie has publicly thanked the French Navy for its operation targeting the Russian shadow fleet this weekend. French military personnel remain aboard the Boracay as the examination continues.
