Italian Navy boards sanctioned Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in Mediterranean operation

Rome– Italian naval forces have boarded a tanker linked to Russia's so called shadow fleet in international waters west of Pantelleria, in one of the European Union's latest efforts to enforce sanctions targeting Moscow's oil exports.

The operation took place on Aug. 2 when the Italian Navy's Thaon di Revel, flagship of the EU's EUNAVFOR MED Irini mission, intercepted the tanker Toa Payoh, a vessel already sanctioned by the EU for its alleged role in helping Russia circumvent restrictions on oil exports imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.

According to the Italian Defence Ministry, the inspection was carried out to verify the vessel's nationality and registration after it was found sailing under the flag of Cameroon. The tanker had departed the port of Cotonou, Benin, on July 16 and was en route to Istanbul.

The vessel's captain initially refused to cooperate with inspectors, prompting the deployment of an Italian boarding team by helicopter from the Thaon di Revel. The inspection, supported by a Greek warship and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft operating under the Irini mission, lasted around two hours and ended without incident.

Italian authorities are now examining the documents collected during the operation to determine whether the ship was legally entitled to sail under the Cameroonian flag and whether any breaches of EU sanctions or maritime regulations occurred.

Although the Irini mission does not have the authority to seize merchant vessels during routine verification operations, evidence gathered during inspections may be passed to national judicial authorities if suspected sanctions violations or fraudulent registration are identified.

The boarding was the second inspection of a suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker by the Irini mission in less than a fortnight. On July 20, EU naval forces also boarded the MV South Star, another vessel suspected of operating under a false flag as part of efforts to evade international sanctions.

Established in 2020 to enforce the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, the EUNAVFOR MED Irini mission has gradually expanded its activities as the EU increases scrutiny of merchant vessels believed to be supporting Russia's sanctioned oil trade through opaque ownership structures, flag changes and complex shipping routes.

The so called shadow fleet consists of hundreds of ageing tankers used to transport Russian crude oil outside Western oversight. Many operate under flags of convenience, frequently change ownership and insurers, and often disable tracking systems, making enforcement of international sanctions increasingly difficult.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto praised the personnel involved in the operation, commending the crew of the Thaon di Revel and all military staff for their professionalism and determination.

"The operation once again demonstrates Italy's concrete contribution to security in the Mediterranean and to the European Union's activities in the region," Crosetto said.

PS