French Troops Seize Russian Oil Tanker in Mediterranean
On Thursday, French troops, backed by allies like Britain, utilized helicopters to board a Russian oil tanker referred to as the “Grinch” while it was navigating the Mediterranean Sea.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the seizure in the morning, stating that it occurred in international waters between Spain and North Africa. He emphasized that France would not allow any violations of international regulations. The French Navy, using NH-90 helicopters, apprehended the tanker, which was accused of flying a false flag—a legal justification used for boarding vessels—and breaching anti-Russian sanctions.
In a time when leaders in Europe are focused on maintaining a rules-based international order, Macron spent a good deal of time discussing the legitimacy of the military action. He mentioned that the vessel was “under international sanctions” and suspected of being registered under a false flag, asserting that the operation took place in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to maintain “international law.” A judicial investigation has also been initiated.
According to the French newspaper Le Figaro, French officials elaborated on the operation, stating it was carried out in collaboration with allies, notably the United Kingdom, and was intended to confirm the ship’s nationality. They also indicated that an initial examination of the ship’s documents provided adequate reason for the French Navy to redirect and escort it for further investigation.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Britain’s role was limited to sharing information. Unlike previous operations by the United States and others, the UK’s involvement did not include deploying ships or aircraft.
In response to the operation, the Russian government expressed that it had not been informed about the tanker’s seizure. Kremlin representatives noted that they were not given any details concerning the boarding or the crew composition. Currently, they are working with their consulate in Marseille to determine if there are Russian nationals on board to offer necessary assistance.
The Grinch had set sail from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk flying the Comorian flag. It’s known both as the Grinch and Carl on international sanction lists. It’s widely recognized that vessels from the so-called shadow fleet frequently change names to obscure their identities. Michelle Wise Bockman, an analyst at Windward, previously mentioned that hundreds of unflagged vessels operated by countries like Russia are crucial for generating oil revenue amid sanctions, but they often evade scrutiny.
Bockman also remarked that these flagless vessels breach maritime law, rendering them almost unprotected against being boarded. However, simply flying any flag provides some legal coverage against such actions. The process has historically allowed Russia to safeguard its ghost ships.
John Burgess, a scholar at Tufts University’s Center for International Law and Governance, noted that altering the Marinella’s flag to Russian at sea was far too transparent a tactic and unlikely to succeed. The White House has dismissed Russia’s minimal objections, stating that the ship was “flying a false flag and therefore stateless.” Analysts predict there could be more backlash from Russia, especially if crew members face legal proceedings in the United States.
Bockman highlighted that Baltic states would likely keep a close watch on the implications of the Marinella’s seizure, as ghost ships present significant risks to “maritime safety, maritime security, and the environment” in constrained waters. “The United States has demonstrated that it is feasible to intercept and respond to such tankers,” she concluded.
