Swedish Authorities Seize Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Baltic Sea
Swedish authorities on May 3 boarded and seized a tanker in the Baltic Sea believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, the latest intervention targeting vessels suspected of evading sanctions and violating maritime law.
The Swedish Coast Guard, together with Swedish Police, has boarded the Jin Hui, a tanker sailing under a suspected false flag. A preliminary investigation is underway, and the vessel is suspected of being in violation of maritime law due to a lack of seaworthiness.
Fifth Intervention in Recent Months
This operation marks the fifth such intervention in recent months, with three focused specifically on seaworthiness concerns. Coast guard officials confirmed that ships with suspected deficiencies in their seaworthiness continue to sail in Swedish waters, which is not acceptable. “We have intervened before, now we are intervening again,” said Daniel Stenling, Deputy Chief of Operations at the Swedish Coast Guard.
Broader Crackdown on Russian-Linked Vessels
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the operation, describing it as part of a broader crackdown. “Earlier today, Swedish Coast Guard boarded another vessel in our territorial waters – the fifth intervention in a short period of time,” he wrote on social media. “The vessel is suspected of being part of the Russian shadow fleet and for sailing under false flag. The vessel is included on the sanctions lists of the EU, the UK, and Ukraine. We protect our waters.”
International Concerns Over Russian Shadow Fleet
Russia uses its shadow fleet of aging, often underinsured tankers to bypass international sanctions on its oil trade. Western officials have also raised concerns that the vessels may be linked to broader Russian hybrid activities in Europe, including espionage and drone operations.
Other European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, have taken similar action against Russian-linked vessels in recent months as scrutiny of Moscow’s maritime traffic has increased.
Original Article: Sweden detains suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in Baltic Sea — Kyivindependent