French navy intercepts sanctioned Cameroonian-flagged oil tanker
French Navy intercepts Cameroonian-flagged oil tanker under Yaoundé sanctions
The French Navy has intercepted the oil tanker Deliver, a vessel flying an illegally obtained Cameroonian flag, after authorities in Yaoundé imposed sanctions on it. This follows similar operations against the Tagor and Smyrtos vessels in early June.
French authorities confirm suspicions about the vessel’s illegal flag
Following the interception of the Tagor and Smyrtos vessels in the English Channel in early June—both flying fraudulent Cameroonian flags—the French Navy intercepted the Deliver oil tanker on June 23. Investigations revealed that the vessel was indeed flying an illegally obtained Cameroonian flag.
The Cameroonian government had previously sanctioned the Deliver, along with the Tagor and Smyrtos, after uncovering irregularities in their flag registrations. French President Emmanuel Macron has since stated that the Deliver is believed to be part of Russia’s so-called ghost fleet.
In a statement, Macron emphasized the gravity of the situation: “The French Navy intercepted the Deliver oil tanker on Tuesday as it sailed off the coast of Sicily, violating maritime law. This action, coming shortly after a similar operation by the United Kingdom, underscores the resolve of European nations to curb the ghost fleet’s operations.”
Macron added: “We will not allow the ghost fleet to bypass sanctions and fund Russia’s war machine.”
In recent weeks, Cameroon’s Ministry of Transport has sanctioned and deregistered 39 vessels flying its flag. These measures aim to conduct physical audits and digitalize records to enhance oversight of registered vessels and protect the integrity of the Cameroonian maritime flag.