Royal Navy forces monitored a sanctioned Russian-linked oil tanker as it transited the Strait of Gibraltar, ahead of a subsequent French boarding operation, as part of wider allied efforts to disrupt Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet.
Patrol boat HMS Dagger, part of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, tracked the tanker Grinch as it passed through the narrow maritime choke point linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. The vessel is one of hundreds identified by the UK and European partners as being used to move Russian oil in breach of international sanctions.
UK monitoring activity took place before French forces boarded the tanker, with British tracking and reporting helping to build the operational picture as the ship moved through the strait. The Royal Navy also took photographs of the vessel during its transit, contributing to intelligence shared with allies.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the episode highlighted an increased focus on countering illicit maritime networks, stating: “Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government.” He added: “I can confirm that the UK has provided tracking and monitoring in support of the French operation to board the tanker Grinch. This support included HMS Dagger monitoring the vessel through the Strait of Gibraltar.”
The Strait of Gibraltar remains one of Europe’s most strategically significant maritime corridors, handling heavy commercial traffic and offering limited room for manoeuvre. Its geography makes it a focal point for monitoring vessels suspected of sanctions evasion, particularly tankers operating with opaque ownership, reflagging practices, or questionable insurance arrangements.
Bugger tracking the shadow fleet tankers; seize them!
Deprive Russia of its life blood (oil/gas exports).
Of interest re Gibraltar and surveillance, the MoD Maritime Data Centre, on the Windmill Hill site at the southern end of the rock, also monitors all vessels in the straight. It is or was, predominantly RN staffed.