France seizes another suspected ‘shadow fleet’ tanker

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media this week (12 October) that more than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion, France’s Navy had intercepted the oil tanker DF Peak, suspected of sailing under the false flag of Benin and involved in alleged illicit fuel transport activities.

“This operation, conducted in accordance with international law of the sea, demonstrates our determination to uphold the law and combat all forms of illicit trafficking, wherever they occur,” stated the French President. “France is determined to combat the ‘shadow fleet’ worldwide.”

DF Peak is a 2006-built Aframax tanker previously called Kaliningrad, and is at least the fifth Russian-linked tanker to be seized by France, Reuters reported.

Moscow strongly condemned the action, labelling it an act of "piracy" and a violation of international law.