Italian-led EU mission has boarded Russian shadow fleet tanker, says Reuters

An EU mission led by Italy boarded a tanker belonging to Russia's so-called shadow fleet on Sunday to verify its nationality and flag registration, the Italian Ministry of Defence has said.

Source: Reuters

Details: It was not immediately clear whether the vessel had been detained while the checks were carried out.

The ship's captain initially refused to cooperate, prompting a team of Italian military personnel to board the tanker from a helicopter launched from the Thaon di Revel, the flagship of the EU's EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini.

The inspection, conducted with the support of a Greek vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft, lasted about two hours and was completed safely, the ministry said.

Italian authorities were reviewing documents obtained during the inspection.

For reference: The European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation Irini (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) is an EU naval mission launched in 2020 to help enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya.

EU member states have since expanded the mission's mandate, enabling it to inspect vessels suspected of sailing under false flags.

Background: The EU has approved a mechanism enabling member states to confiscate and sell Russian oil and grain from vessels belonging to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. The proceeds cannot be transferred to Russian individuals or legal entities.

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