The European Union’s naval forces have successfully intercepted an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s so-called ghost fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Recent inspections conducted on board the vessel confirmed that it was operating under a false flag, as announced by Kaja Kallas, the head of European diplomacy.
This operation occurred on 13 November and was carried out by the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission, which boarded the oil tanker MV MIDAG. According to Kallas, the intervention was conducted under Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“The on-board inspection, conducted under Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, verified that the MV MIDAG was sailing under a false flag,” said Kallas.
Kallas further emphasised that the European Union remains committed to addressing activities associated with Russia’s ghost fleet through both maritime operations and diplomatic channels.
Additionally, she said the foreign ministers of EU member states are expected to approve new entries to the sanctions list against Russia in the coming days. These measures will specifically target banks, buyers, and companies that facilitate the ghost fleet’s operations, a network of vessels Russia uses to transport oil.
On 11 November, EU ambassadors collectively agreed to expand the sanctions list to include 145 individuals and entities, which comprise Russian banks and corporations associated with the ghost fleet, as well as individuals suspected of involvement in hybrid warfare and cyberattacks.
In August 2026, another European Union naval mission led by Italy intercepted the EU-sanctioned oil tanker Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean Sea. This vessel was sailing under the Cameroonian flag and was en route from Benin to Istanbul. The captain initially declined to cooperate with inspection teams, leading to the Italian military boarding the ship via helicopter from the frigate Thaon di Revel, which serves as the flagship of the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission.
The inspection, supported by a Greek military ship and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft, lasted approximately two hours and concluded without incident. Italian authorities have not disclosed whether the vessel was detained following the inspection.
