Shadow Fleet Operation in the Mediterranean

Italy’s Ministry of Defence reported that a naval mission operating under the European Union (EU) and led by Italy carried out an operation against an oil tanker allegedly linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The ministry said that the Cameroon-flagged oil tanker named “Toa Payoh,” which is on the EU sanctions list, was intercepted to verify the vessel’s flag registration.

The statement said that the ship’s captain initially refused to cooperate, after which Italian military personnel boarded the tanker’s deck by helicopter launched from the Thaon di Revel, which serves as the flagship of the “EUNAVFOR MED” (European Union Naval Force Mediterranean) Operation Irini, and carried out an inspection. The statement also said that a Greek warship and a Polish patrol aircraft supported the operation, while the intervention lasted approximately two hours and ended safely.

The tanker was reportedly intercepted while sailing from the West African country of Benin to Istanbul. No statement was made on whether any crew members were detained as part of the intervention.

A source familiar with the operation said that the vessel had been registered under the Cameroon flag last week and that the EU naval mission operating under Operation Irini does not have the authority to seize vessels during such inspections.