France releases oil tanker Deliver from EU sanctions list
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France released the oil tanker Deliver, suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet, from the port of Fos-sur-Mer near Marseille after its owner paid a fine, AFP reported late Thursday. The vessel had been detained by French Navy in late June for flag violations.
The Detention
The Deliver, sailing under the Cameroonian flag, left the Russian oil port of Primorsk and was heading to Singapore when French Navy intercepted it off Sicily in late June. It was escorted to Fos-sur-Mer for a flag inspection. In late May, Cameroon revoked the vessel's right to fly its flag.
Sanctions Context
The European Union added the Deliver to its sanctions list in February 2025, suspecting it of helping Russia circumvent oil export restrictions. France has detained five EU-sanctioned tankers, including the Deliver, with two fined so far. Russia's shadow fleet comprises 800-1,000 aging vessels sailing under third-country flags, according to French authorities.
What's Next
The Deliver is now free to continue its journey to Singapore. It remains unclear whether other detained vessels will face similar outcomes or if the EU will tighten enforcement against shadow fleet operations.
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France releases oil tanker Deliver from EU sanctions list
