Sweden and Denmark will step up inspections of Russian tankers in the Baltic Sea

Sweden and Denmark will now require insurance documents from tankers passing through their territorial waters in the Baltic Sea.

This is reported by Enkorr with reference to Foreign Policy.

It is noted that such a mechanism is needed to minimize the risks from the so-called “shadow fleet” of the Russian Federation. Vessels without confirmed insurance may be included in the blacklists of the USA, Great Britain and the EU.

The “shadow fleet” of the Russian Federation consists of old tankers with questionable insurance, which are often registered under front foreign companies, sail under “convenient” flags and avoid pilotage services when passing through narrow straits.

Sweden and Denmark fear that such vessels can cause large-scale oil spills in the Baltic Sea, and can also be used to damage underwater cables.

“If we are looking for the real problem, it is those who do not want to show their documents,” said Christina Sig, a professor of maritime law at the University of Southern Denmark.

The professor recalled that on May 20, the European Union imposed sanctions on the Russian insurance company TSK, in particular for issuing insurance to vessels from the “shadow” fleet — this measure may deter cautious shipowners, but risky players remain a threat, especially given the environmental consequences.

The Kremlin’s “shadow” fleet already looks like a monster of its own making,” the expert added.

Earlier, USM reported that Germany has stepped up inspections of tankers to counter the shadow fleet.