Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

France tightens net on Russian ‘ghost fleet’ with second tanker intercepted

The oil tanker "Grinch", suspected of belonging to the Russian's shadow fleet, is seen outside the coast of Martigues near the port of Marseille-Fos, France, on 25 January 2026. AFP - THIBAUD MORITZ

French authorities have stepped up their campaign against vessels suspected of helping Moscow dodge Western oil sanctions, with the boarding of the oil tanker 'Grinch' marking the second such operation in just a few weeks.

The 249-metre tanker was escorted to the Gulf of Fos, near the oil terminal at the port of Marseille-Fos, where its 58-year-old Indian captain was taken into custody on Saturday evening.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.