The French navy announced that it had intercepted the “Deyna” in the south of the Balearic Islands, an oil tanker suspected of belonging to the Russian “ghost fleet” circumventing sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine. This 250-meter vessel under the Mozambican flag, coming from Murmansk, is the third such vessel diverted by France since 2025.
Intercepting the Deyna
A cargo tanker coming from Russia and flying a Mozambican flag was intercepted on March 20 by the French navy in the western Mediterranean. The ship named the “Deyna” is believed to be part of the Russian ghost fleet. President Emmanuel Macron asserted that France would “not let it happen”, indicating strong opposition to any circumvention of international sanctions.
A control operation aimed at verifying the legality of the ship’s flag confirmed the military’s suspicions, leading them to report their findings to the public prosecutor in Marseille, as stated by the maritime prefecture of Toulon. Images released by the military showed French troops helicoptering onto the Deyna to carry out the boarding process.
Third Tanker Intercepted
This incident marks the third alleged oil tanker from the Russian ghost fleet intercepted by France, aiming to stop Moscow from evading sanctions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Macron reiterated his government’s commitment, declaring on social media that “the war in Iran will not distract France from supporting Ukraine where Russia’s war of aggression continues.” He labeled these ships as “war profiteers” who seek to finance the Russian military efforts by evading international laws.
The French military cooperated closely with allies, including the United Kingdom, in monitoring the movements of the Deyna, similar to their previous interception of another ghost fleet tanker, the Grinch, in January. The Deyna will be escorted to anchorage for further inspection by authorities.
Details of the Interception
According to sources involved in the investigation, the interception took place south of the Balearic Islands, on the high seas, while the vessel was en route to Port Said, Egypt. It is expected to be escorted within the French zone of the Mediterranean in the upcoming days.
The Deyna, measuring 250 meters in length, is comparable to the previously intercepted Grinch. The first oil tanker linked to the Russian ghost fleet, the Boracay, was boarded in September 2025 off Brittany’s coast. Current EU sanctions target around 598 vessels suspected of being part of this illicit fleet.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, such military actions by France highlight its commitment to uphold international law and prevent violations tied to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The interception of ships associated with the ghost fleet emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.