French Navy Intercepts Sanctioned Cameroonian-Flagged Oil Tanker
The French Navy has intercepted the oil tanker Deliver, a vessel flying an illegally obtained Cameroonian flag, after it was sanctioned by Yaoundé. This follows the interception of the Tagor and Smyrtos vessels in early June in the English Channel for the same violation.
French Naval Forces Halt Operation of Sanctioned Cameroonian-Flagged Tanker
The French Navy intercepted the Deliver oil tanker on June 23, which was flying an illegally obtained Cameroonian flag and had been sanctioned by Yaoundé. Document verification confirmed the irregularities surrounding the vessel’s registration, mirroring similar cases involving the Tagor and Smyrtos tankers intercepted earlier in the English Channel.
The Deliver, despite bearing the Cameroonian flag, was sanctioned by Cameroonian authorities following incidents linked to the Tagor and Smyrtos. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the vessel is believed to belong to Russia’s shadow fleet, used to bypass international sanctions.
According to Macron, “The French Navy intercepted the Deliver tanker on Tuesday as it transited off the coast of Sicily, violating maritime law. This action, taken days after a similar operation by the United Kingdom, underscores Europe’s commitment to preventing the shadow fleet from evading sanctions and funding Russia’s war efforts.”
In recent weeks, Cameroon’s Ministry of Transport has sanctioned and deregistered 39 vessels flying its flag. Yaoundé emphasized that these measures aim to enhance physical inspections and digital tracking of registered vessels, reinforcing oversight and protecting the integrity of Cameroon’s maritime registry.
