The IRINI boarded a suspected tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet
On July 20, forces from the European Union’s IRINI mission boarded the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR to verify its flag. The vessel was suspected of sailing under a false flag, which is a violation of international maritime law, according to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
Kallas linked these actions to increased pressure on the shadow fleet of Russia—the aggressor state. According to her, every illegal voyage helps Russia sustain its war machine, and the European Union is supplementing sanctions with actions at sea.
Also this week, EU member states granted the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA operation the authority to board vessels to verify their flags if there is suspicion that the vessel is part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Operation ATALANTA operates in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The IRINI mission already has similar powers.
The EU’s IRINI mission in the Mediterranean Sea was launched in 2020 to combat the smuggling of weapons, petroleum products, and people. In 2025, the EU Council extended its mandate until March 31, 2027, and expanded it to include gathering intelligence on covert activities in the Mediterranean and threats to critical underwater infrastructure. In March 2026, the mission was granted the right to board vessels suspected of flying a false flag, in accordance with Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
