By John Q. Hosedrinker 
French authorities have escalated their efforts to combat vessels allegedly assisting Russia in evading Western oil sanctions. The oil tanker “Grinch,” suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, was intercepted and escorted to the Gulf of Fos, with its Indian captain taken into custody. The operation, involving marine commandos and occurring in the Alboran Sea with allied support, triggered nautical and aerial exclusion zones. This marks the second such action in weeks, following the interception of the “Boracay” in September, indicating France’s intent to increase pressure on the ghost fleet and impede Russia’s ability to fund its war.
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France tightens net on Russian ‘ghost fleet’ with second tanker intercepted. This is a story that’s unfolding with a significant amount of action, and it feels like it’s picking up speed. It’s hard not to notice the current geopolitical climate, with some seeing this as a sign that Western democracies are starting to back up their sanctions with tangible steps. The interception of a second Russian tanker by France certainly feels like a bold move, and it’s grabbing attention.
The response to the US’s actions with Venezuelan tankers seems to have opened the door for this. It’s fascinating to watch these predictions from the geopolitical experts start to materialize, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. There’s a noticeable undercurrent of anticipation, and some are even expecting cries of “piracy,” a reaction that seems to be contrasted with general approval. The idea of seizing these vessels is gaining traction, and the hope is that other countries might follow suit. It’s almost like a modern-day tale of a “Grinch” trying to steal oil, but this time, it’s about holding those accountable who are trying to circumvent sanctions.
It’s been interesting to see how opinions can shift. The US’s previous involvement with sanctioned tankers drew sharp criticism, while France’s actions seem to be met with a different reception, highlighting some potential double standards. However, it’s also worth noting that some view this action as a strategic move by Macron. The conversation seems to swirl around his image, and how some see him as the best, and at other times, the most hated. There are those who believe this is a performance, a way for Macron to deflect from domestic issues.
Of course, France’s actions are not happening in a vacuum. The world is grappling with deep divisions, fueled by those who benefit from the conflict, and this is certainly not a simple scenario. The concern is that geopolitics are becoming increasingly polarized, and this division is becoming the norm. The fear is that the European continent might face challenges from extremism and foreign interference, with some questioning how such a divided continent can resist.
It’s crucial to understand the legal processes involved in these kinds of operations. The detention of crew members is a complex matter. In cases involving international law, the legality of the detention is often debated, making the crew the “invisible victims.” The US, for instance, seems hesitant to prosecute the crew, as the focus is on the ship and the cargo, rather than the individuals. The legal basis for prosecuting the crew members is often weak, and so, the outcome is often that the crew is released.
There are rules to the process, particularly Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ship is impounded pending an investigation of suspected operations under a false flag. Proving that the cargo is sanctioned requires tracking, and the records of where ships are loaded/unloaded, as well as satellite tracking and transponders are key. The fate of the cargo then depends on various factors: the investigation’s results, the origin of the cargo, and so on.
The complexity of these actions shouldn’t be underestimated. This is not a matter of simply boarding a vessel and taking what you want. The ships in question are “ghost ships,” operating under false flags, to avoid sanctions. The actions are carefully considered, and the investigation is crucial, and the French Navy is carrying out operations.