cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4932161
Denmark is tightening regulation of oil tankers passing through its waters as Europe targets the shadow fleet that’s helping Russia skirt sanctions.
Authorities will in particular target older ships which are often used by the shadow fleet and which present an environmental risk because of their poor condition, the government said in a statement on Sunday.
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The announcement follows calls last week by French President Emmanuel Macron to detain oil tankers, after prosecutors in northwest France investigated a vessel for failing to provide proof of its nationality and flag, as well as refusal to comply with requests from the navy.
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Last week , the captain of an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of vessels used to evade sanctions has been charged by French authorities.
The Chinese national was handed one count of refusing to follow instructions from the French navy and told to attend a court hearing in the northern coastal city of Brest next February … The tanker was earlier boarded by French soldiers because it was on a list of vessels subject to EU sanctions for carrying Russian oil exports. Russian President Vladimir Putin called France’s actions “piracy”.