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Suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker 'GRINCH' grounded in Marseille port

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 28, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 28, 2026

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Suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker 'GRINCH' grounded in Marseille port
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PARIS, Jan 28 (Reuters) - The 'GRINCH' oil tanker, which was intercepted by the French navy on suspicion of operating under a false flag and belonging to the "shadow fleet" that enables Russia to

Russian Tanker 'GRINCH' Grounded in Marseille Over False Flag Claims

Details of the GRINCH Incident

PARIS, Jan 28 (Reuters) - The 'GRINCH' oil tanker, which was intercepted by the French navy on suspicion of operating under a false flag and belonging to the "shadow fleet" that enables Russia to export oil despite sanctions, has been grounded in the Marseille-Fos port, said the Marseille prosecutor on Wednesday.

Captain's Detention and Release

The prosecutor added that the tanker's Indian captain, who had been detained by authorities, had since been released and allowed to return back on board the vessel.

Vessel's Journey from Murmansk

The vessel left the Russian port of Murmansk in early January, sailing under a Comoros flag, French authorities have said.

(Reporting by Marc Leras;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta/Benoit Van Overstraeten)

Key Takeaways

  • The 'GRINCH' tanker is suspected of operating under a false flag.
  • The tanker was intercepted by the French navy.
  • The vessel is part of Russia's shadow fleet to bypass sanctions.
  • The Indian captain was detained and later released.
  • The tanker sailed from Murmansk under a Comoros flag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shadow fleet?
A shadow fleet refers to a group of vessels that operate under false pretenses or flags to evade sanctions or regulations, often used in the context of oil transport.
What is an oil tanker?
An oil tanker is a large ship designed for transporting liquid cargo, primarily crude oil or refined petroleum products, across oceans and seas.
What are international sanctions?
International sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by countries or international organizations to influence or punish a nation for certain behaviors, often related to security or human rights.
What is maritime law?
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to maritime activities, including shipping, navigation, and marine commerce.

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