Italy-led EU mission intercepts shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean

Published Aug 3, 09:28 AM UTC

On Sunday, the Italian Navy, leading the EU's Operation IRINI, intercepted and boarded the Toa Payoh, a Cameroon-flagged tanker suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet used to circumvent Western oil sanctions. The operation occurred west of the Italian island of Pantelleria after the tanker departed Cotonou, Benin, en route to Istanbul. The ship's captain initially refused cooperation, prompting an Italian boarding team deployed by helicopter from the flagship Thaon di Revel. Supported by a Greek naval vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft, the two-hour inspection concluded without incident. Italy stated the boarding was conducted in international waters under the EU mandate and Article 110 of UNCLOS. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto praised the operation as a demonstration of Italy's commitment to Mediterranean security. This action is part of broader EU efforts to crack down on Russia's shadow fleet, following a similar boarding of the MV South Star on July 22. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that every illicit voyage sustains Russia's war machine.