French special forces arrest captain of Russian shadow fleet tanker
Captain of shadow fleet tanker arrested in France (photo: Getty Images)
French special forces have arrested the captain and the first mate of a Russian shadow fleet tanker that was possibly linked to recent drone incidents near Denmark, reports French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
"I thank the marine special forces and the crews of the French Navy who intervened this weekend on board the Russian shadow fleet tanker currently anchored near Saint-Nazaire. Their actions led to the arrest of two crew members," said Lecornu.
What is known about the incident with the vessel
Earlier, a Russian oil tanker was detained off the coast of France. It is suspected of being linked to the aggressor country's shadow fleet and to the launch of drones spotted over Denmark.
What is known about the vessel
Built in 2007, the 244-meter oil tanker has undergone repeated name and flag changes. It was registered in the Marshall Islands, Mongolia, and Gabon.
In addition to the European Union, the vessel is under sanctions by Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It departed from Primorsk, Russia, on September 20 and is scheduled to arrive in Vadinar, India, on October 20.
How Russia's shadow fleet operates
Every sixth tanker in the world belongs to Russia's shadow fleet, which accounts for approximately 17% of the world's active tankers.
At the beginning of 2025, analysts estimated that Russia's shadow fleet comprised 940 vessels, representing a 45% increase from the previous year's figure.
More than 500 tankers of the shadow fleet are on the European Union's blacklist, so ports will not accept them, and insurers will not provide coverage. However, Russia continues to buy vessels to replace those under sanctions.
In September, the European Commission introduced the 19th sanctions package against Russia, which includes additional measures targeting the Russian shadow fleet.
