Swedish authorities have enhanced inspections of foreign vessels operating in the Baltic Sea since Sunday, a response aimed at addressing the threats posed by Russia’s shadow fleet. This increased oversight is made possible by the recent implementation of new regulations. The Swedish Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration are now tasked with collecting information regarding the insurance status of ships that transit through Sweden’s territorial waters or economic zone. This capability was previously limited to vessels entering ports.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has stated that the new legislation strengthens Sweden’s presence in the Baltic Sea, which serves as a deterrent. Furthermore, he emphasised that this initiative grants Sweden and its allies access to vital information that may aid in broadening the sanctions list against the Russian shadow fleet.
Russia is utilising outdated tankers registered under the flags of various non-traditional countries for oil exports. Many of these vessels operate with invalid insurance documents, increasing the risks associated with environmental protection in the event of a leak. This activity is a primary funding source for Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
An analysis by the Swedish public broadcaster SVT indicated that on 21 May, the day the European Union imposed sanctions on 189 vessels in this shadow fleet, at least 19 were detected in the Baltic and North Seas. The tanker Sun, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, was spotted near Gotland, while another sailing under the flag of Sierra Leone was seen south of Karlskrona. Currently, the EU’s blacklist contains 342 suspicious vessels.
Additionally, there are concerns about potential Russian sabotage operations targeting undersea cables and gas pipelines. Commander Erik Kockx, leading a NATO task force in the Baltic Sea, reported unusual manoeuvres by merchant ships during a recent visit to Stockholm. He noted that when approached, the irregular activities ceased abruptly, highlighting the challenges in proving any intent of sabotage.
