The suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker MV Grinch has been released from French custody after nearly three weeks of detention at Marseille, following the payment of a multimillion-euro penalty for registration violations.
The tanker was formally released on February 17 after the “several million euros” fine was paid, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.
The captain of the vessel, an Indian national, was arrested on charges related to refusal to cooperate with authorities and registration irregularities. He is scheduled to stand trial later this month.
French authorities intercepted the MV Grinch on January 22 in the Mediterranean and diverted it to anchor off Marseille amid suspicions it was operating as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. Officials said the vessel was sailing under a Comoros flag that could not be properly justified, raising concerns it was facilitating exports of Russian crude oil subject to European sanctions. The vessel had departed Murmansk in early January before its interception.
French authorities stated that the owning company failed to provide valid documentation supporting the vessel’s flag status. As a result, the company agreed to pay a penalty and committed to obtaining proper registration as soon as possible.
French authorities have indicated that enforcement against improperly registered vessels operating in European waters will continue.
