Key facts
- The Italian Navy boarded the Russian tanker Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean Sea on August 2.
- The boarding was conducted as part of the European Union's Operation IRINI, which monitors arms and oil trafficking.
- The Toa Payoh is identified as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and is subject to EU sanctions.
- The tanker was intercepted in international waters west of Pantelleria, Sicily.
- Initial non-cooperation from the tanker's captain led to the boarding by Italian naval personnel.
- The operation involved Italian, Greek, and Polish maritime assets and concluded safely after two hours.
The Italian Navy, as part of a joint European Union force, boarded a Russian tanker named Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean Sea on August 2. The operation, conducted under the EU's Operation IRINI, aims to monitor arms and oil trafficking. The Toa Payoh is identified as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' a group of vessels used to circumvent sanctions, and is subject to EU sanctions. The tanker was intercepted in international waters west of Pantelleria after its captain initially did not cooperate with Italian officers. The boarding was carried out by personnel from the Italian vessel Thaon di Revel, supported by a Greek naval vessel and Polish maritime patrol aircraft. The operation lasted approximately two hours and concluded safely, with Italian authorities currently reviewing the ship's documentation. Operation IRINI, launched in 2020, has expanded its mandate to include inspections of vessels suspected of sailing under false flags, particularly those linked to Russia's shadow fleet.