Italian Navy boards EU-sanctioned shadow fleet tanker Toa Payoh
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The Italian Navy’s multipurpose patrol vessel ITS Thaon di Revel boarded the EU-sanctioned tanker Toa Payoh on 2 August in international waters west of Pantelleria under Operation IRINI. The boarding lasted two hours and was completed without incident after the master initially refused to cooperate. The operation was supported by a Greek frigate and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft.
The Boarding
The ITS Thaon di Revel, flagship of Operation IRINI, intercepted the tanker Toa Payoh on August 2 west of Pantelleria. When the master did not cooperate, a military boarding team was launched by helicopter from the Thaon di Revel and inserted onto the vessel. The nationality and flag-verification inspection lasted approximately two hours and concluded without incident. Italian authorities are now examining the collected documentation.
Shadow Fleet Target
Toa Payoh is listed under EU sanctions and identified by Italian authorities as part of Russia’s shadow fleet—vessels used to transport crude oil outside Western oversight. The tanker had departed Cotonou, Benin, on July 16 and was sailing toward Istanbul under a Cameroonian flag. The shadow fleet has become a key conduit for maintaining Russian oil exports despite sanctions.
Multinational Enforcement
The operation involved multinational support: the Hellenic Navy frigate Kanaris provided at-sea assistance, while a Polish M28B1R Bryza aircraft from Sigonella Air Base conducted airborne surveillance. Italy cited UNCLOS Article 110, which permits warship nationality verification when there is reasonable suspicion a vessel is not entitled to fly its claimed flag. The boarding follows a similar inspection of the tanker South Star on July 20.
What's Next
EU authorities are now reviewing the documentation from the Toa Payoh inspection to determine any further action. It remains unclear whether intensified boardings of shadow fleet vessels will significantly disrupt Russia’s ability to bypass sanctions.
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Italian Navy boards EU-sanctioned shadow fleet tanker Toa Payoh
