Dialogos

French Fine Imposed on Suspected 'Ghost Fleet' Tanker

Published February 17, 2026, 14:02
French Fine Imposed on Suspected 'Ghost Fleet' Tanker

The tanker 'Grinch', suspected of belonging to the so-called Russian 'ghost fleet', has been allowed to leave French territorial waters after paying a fine of several million euros. The ship had been detained at the port of Fos-sur-Mer for three weeks, as French authorities suspected it of violating European sanctions. The exact amount of the fine has not been disclosed. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that violating sanctions comes at a cost and that Russia will no longer be able to finance its war unpunished through a ghost fleet. This case highlights France's efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia and prevent their circumvention through shadowy practices.