France Targets Stricter Penalties for Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’

France is moving to toughen penalties for ships that sail without a proper flag or refuse to obey stop orders. The measure aims to curb activities linked to the Russian “shadow fleet”. Paris says the change will strengthen maritime enforcement of sanctions.

Key provisions in the draft law

The draft update amends France’s military planning law. It was seen by Filmogaz.com on Wednesday. The proposal doubles existing penalties for failure to fly the correct flag or for refusal to comply with boarding orders.

Offenders could face up to two years in prison and a €300,000 fine. Sanctions would apply to owners, operators, and any person exercising control over a vessel. The wording targets those who direct or manage ship operations.

Higher penalties for endangering boarders

Penalties rise sharply when boarders face danger. In such cases, sentences could reach seven years imprisonment. Fines could increase to €700,000.

The tougher measures are intended to deter deliberate evasive actions. Authorities also want to reduce risks to naval personnel during inspections.

Flag-hopping and enforcement challenges

Vessels in the so-called shadow fleet often change flags. This practice, known as flag-hopping, complicates detection and tracking. Some ships sail under invalid or no flags to avoid scrutiny.

France has responded by boarding suspicious vessels at sea. Since September, French forces boarded three ships thought to be carrying Russian oil in breach of Western sanctions.

Notable incidents

In September, the French navy approached a tanker named Boracay in international waters off western France. The ship had no visible flag and was suspected of carrying Russian oil to India.

The captain stalled the boarding, saying he awaited owner authorization. Navy personnel later completed the inspection. A French court issued a one-year jail sentence in absentia last month for a Chinese captain tied to a similar refusal to comply, and an arrest warrant followed.

Scope and international context

Nearly 600 vessels suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet face European Union sanctions. The new French measures align with broader Western efforts to curb sanctions evasion. Officials say stronger penalties will improve enforcement and accountability.

Parliamentary timetable

Lawmakers will debate the draft bill in coming weeks. A parliamentary vote is scheduled by July 14. If adopted, the changes will expand France’s legal tools against evasive maritime practices.