Netherlands tightens security measures in North Sea due to threats from Russia

The Dutch government will involve private companies in strengthening security in the North Sea amid a possible sabotage in the Baltic Sea on the eve.

The Netherlands plans to temporarily attract additional resources from private companies to strengthen security in its part of the North Sea. This is reported by Reuters.

Such measures were adopted after reports by the Dutch military intelligence MIVD, which indicated that the country’s infrastructure in the North Sea, including gas pipelines and windmills, are potential targets for Russian sabotage. In April this year, the MIVD reported that Russia may also try to sabotage the operation of data centers in the region.

“This measure is a temporary solution until we put two new multi-purpose support vessels into operation. They will join the Navy in 2026,” the Dutch Ministry of Defense said.

The department did not specify which companies they are negotiating with and whether cooperation is limited to Dutch or European firms.

Earlier, USM reported that two underwater cables of NATO countries were damaged in the Baltic Sea.

Shortly before the sabotage on two submarine cables of NATO countries in the Baltic Sea, a Chinese ship was spotted near critical facilities.

USM also recently wrote that Ireland “expelled” a Russian reconnaissance ship that was spying on underwater infrastructure.