France is preparing new measures against the so‑called Russian “shadow fleet” — a network of aging tankers used to export Russian oil in circumvention of Western sanctions. According to a draft amendment to the military planning law, owners, operators, and other responsible parties of vessels sailing under false flags or without registration, as well as those refusing to comply with stop orders, will face stricter penalties.
The proposal would double existing sanctions — up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of €300,000. If the actions create a threat to the lives of inspection team members, the penalty could increase to seven years in prison and a €700,000 fine. The new rules would apply to anyone exercising “control or supervisory authority” over a vessel’s operation.
Sources familiar with the draft say the goal of these changes is to intensify efforts against the “shadow fleet,” which enables Moscow to continue selling oil despite the G7 price cap and other restrictions. France has already conducted several operations inspecting suspicious tankers in the Mediterranean and other seas, including detentions of vessels departing from Russian ports with cargo worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
In recent months, the French Navy has repeatedly intercepted tankers suspected of sailing under false flags or lacking registration. Such actions are part of a broader European campaign to complicate the operations of the “shadow fleet,” which reportedly consists of several hundred ships.
The draft amendments are expected to be reviewed by the French Parliament by July 14 this year. Experts note that stricter penalties should make the “shadow fleet” less attractive to shipowners and operators by increasing risks and costs related to insurance, crews, and vessel maintenance.