[REVISION HISTORY]

French seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-14 13:42 UTC → 2026-10-14 16:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The French Navy has begun intercepting vessels suspected of being part of the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ used to bypass international energy sanctions. On October 12, French forces intercepted the oil tanker DF Peak (formerly known as the Kaliningrad) in the Indian Ocean, approximately 450 nautical miles south of Reunion Island. While the vessel was flying the flag of Benin, French military inspections identified document irregularities. The 110,000-ton tanker is listed on the European Union sanctions list and is suspected of operating under a false identity to evade restrictions on Russian fuel exports. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the interception, stating that France is committed to combating the ‘ghost fleet’ globally. Following the boarding, the ship was diverted under French Navy escort toward an anchorage near Reunion Island for judicial verification and analysis of its cargo and financial records. The Russian Embassy in Paris condemned the seizure, describing it as ‘piracy’ and a violation of international law, while noting investigations into whether Russian citizens are among the crew. By October 13, the French military reportedly seized an additional tanker suspected of belonging to the same Russian shadow ~~fleet, involving~~ fleet. On October 14, further details emerged regarding the DF Peak, a ~~transfer~~ 244-meter vessel that has undergone multiple identity changes, previously operating as the NS Captain. Authorities are investigating whether the use of the ~~vessel by French forces.~~ Beninese flag constitutes maritime fraud and an infringement on Benin’s sovereignty. Due to the ship’s failure to emit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal, the prefecture of Réunion has established security perimeters around the tanker, prohibiting navigation within a 1,000-meter radius during transit and a 500-meter radius while anchored in La Possession bay. The 21 crew members have been detained for 48 hours pending further investigation.

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