France has released a tanker, believed to be part of Russia’s sanctions-evading “shadow fleet” named “Grinch,” following the payment of a fine amounting to several million euros by its owner, a government official announced. The vessel was intercepted by French authorities and their partners while en route from Russia and was escorted to a port near Marseille after the incident occurred between Spain and Morocco last month.
According to ship tracking platforms like marinetraffic and vesselfinder, the tanker, flying a Comoros flag, has now departed French waters. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the vessel, “Grinch,” completed its exit after settling the substantial fine and enduring a costly three-week immobilization period in Fos-sur-Mer.
