Suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker seized near Marseille

Sunday 25 January 2026 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker seized near Marseille

A tanker suspected of being linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” has been intercepted by French authorities and placed at the disposal of the French judiciary near the southern port city of Marseille. The vessel, named Grinch, was escorted by the French Navy and anchored in the Gulf of Fos, according to maritime authorities.

The tanker was intercepted earlier this week in international waters in the Alboran Sea, between Spain and North Africa, with the support of several allied countries, including the United Kingdom. French officials said the operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to enforce international sanctions and maritime regulations.

According to the Mediterranean maritime prefecture, the ship has been placed under judicial control as part of a preliminary investigation into a possible lack of valid flag registration. To ensure safety during the inspection process, maritime and air exclusion zones have been established around the vessel at the Marseille-Fos oil terminal.

Investigators from the maritime gendarmerie are now conducting a series of technical and administrative checks. The tanker, measuring nearly 250 meters in length, appears on sanctions lists under different names, highlighting the methods used by vessels suspected of evading international restrictions.