Overview

• Tracking data showed the tanker left the French Atlantic coast overnight to Friday and was earlier reported off La Rochelle after resuming movement Thursday evening.
• A French frigate intercepted the vessel last Saturday near Ouessant and ordered a course change toward the coast.
• The Chinese captain and the first officer, who had been in police custody, were released and returned to the ship, authorities confirmed.
• Prosecutors set a February 23, 2026 court date in France for the captain on the disobedience charge, while other allegations were dropped after initial concerns about the ship’s flag status.
• Western sources describe the tanker as part of Russia’s so‑called shadow fleet and have suggested a link to drone overflights over Denmark, a claim President Vladimir Putin denies.