Why was the oil tanker GRINCH seized by French authorities?

The tanker GRINCH was seized on suspicion of being part of a shadow fleet that allows Russia to export oil despite sanctions.

What happened after the GRINCH was seized off Marseille?

After being seized and anchored off Marseille, the GRINCH was released when its owning company paid a penalty of several million euros.

What did the French Foreign Minister say about the GRINCH incident?

The French Foreign Minister stated that circumventing European sanctions has a price and that Russia can no longer finance its war through ghost fleets off their coasts.

Home / Business and Economy / France Releases Shadow Fleet Ship After Penalty Paid

France Releases Shadow Fleet Ship After Penalty Paid

17 Feb

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Summary

French authorities released the seized oil tanker GRINCH.
A penalty of several million euros was paid by the vessel's owner.
The tanker was suspected of aiding Russia's oil exports under sanctions.

France Releases Shadow Fleet Ship After Penalty Paid

The oil tanker GRINCH, previously seized by French authorities, has been permitted to leave territorial waters. This action followed the payment of a penalty amounting to several million euros by the vessel's owning company. The GRINCH was detained last month off the coast of Marseille, with suspicions it was involved in a shadow fleet operation.

This fleet is believed to facilitate Russian oil exports despite ongoing international sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked that evading European sanctions carries a significant price, asserting that Russia will no longer fund its war efforts unchecked through clandestine operations near French coasts.