Working Conditions Aboard the Deyna

On April 15, 2026, the Marseille Judicial Court imposed a fine on the owner of the tanker 'Deyna' following a plea deal regarding a breach under French law. The fine, concerning the lack of documented proof of the ship's nationality, was remitted to the Agency for the Management and Recovery of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AGRASC). This violation falls under Article L. 5233-2 of the French Transport Code, part of the Civil Code stipulating requirements for maritime vessels. The company has assured that it is actively pursuing a new flag for the tanker. In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC), the Prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône has lifted the detention order on the vessel. Subsequently, the 'Deyna' vacated French territorial waters, monitored closely by French maritime authorities and the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean during its exit. The tanker is now en route to Rizhao.

On Friday, March 20, the tanker 'Deyna' was rerouted to the western Mediterranean and safely escorted by French Navy vessels, arriving in the Gulf of Fos, located in Bouches-du-Rhône, on the morning of the same day. Anchored at coordinates 43° 22' N 004° 59' E, the vessel is currently under the scrutiny of the Marseille public prosecutor due to allegations of not displaying a proper flag. To facilitate a thorough investigation while ensuring safety, authorities have implemented exclusion zones: a nautical perimeter of 500 meters and an air safety zone extending 1.5 nautical miles, reaching up to 1,000 feet above. These measures are being enforced by the Maritime Gendarmerie and French Navy units, who are closely monitoring compliance with these regulations.

In a significant maritime operation, the French Navy successfully detained the 'Deyna', a tanker associated with Russia's elusive 'shadow fleet'. The interception occurred on March 20, 2026, as the vessel was heading from Murmansk to Port Said, just off the coast of Algeria. This tactical operation was conducted in collaboration with British naval forces, as confirmed by the authorities from the French Mediterranean prefecture. This seizure is part of a broader response to the increasing international sanctions levied against Russia following its military actions in Ukraine since 2022. Despite the gravity of the situation, Russia has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the capture of the 'Deyna'. Historically, Moscow has branded such actions targeting its tankers or vessels carrying its cargo as acts of piracy. Following a request from the prosecutor's office, the 'Deyna' has been directed to an anchorage point for thorough inspections, which could have further implications for global maritime operations. For more details, view the report: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/french-navy-seizes-tanker-russia-suspected-flying-false-flag-mediterranean-2026-03-20/