French Navy Intercepts Oil Tanker Grinch in Mediterranean Over Suspected Sanctions Violations
The French navy seized the oil tanker Grinch on January 23 amid suspicion of sanctions evasion. The vessel is now anchored off Marseille for investigation.
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The French 
FRnavy intercepted and seized the oil tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean on Thursday, January 23, 2026, under suspicion of operating as part of a shadow fleet to evade international restrictions. Authorities diverted the vessel to an anchorage off the coast of Marseille, where it remains as investigators from the Marseille prosecutor's office begin a formal inquiry into the ship's maritime documentation and status.
FRnavy intercepted and seized the oil tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean on Thursday, January 23, 2026, under suspicion of operating as part of a shadow fleet to evade international restrictions. Authorities diverted the vessel to an anchorage off the coast of Marseille, where it remains as investigators from the Marseille prosecutor's office begin a formal inquiry into the ship's maritime documentation and status.
