Finland appeals court decision to close case against Russian “shadow fleet” tanker
10.10.2025 - 12:30
Finnish prosecutors have appealed a court ruling that ruled that the country does not have the right to hear the case.
The case concerns damage to underwater infrastructure within Finland’s exclusive economic zone, The Maritime Executive reports.
The incident occurred in December 2024, when the Eagle S tanker from the so-called “shadow fleet” damaged several Finnish submarine cables in the Baltic Sea.
The court ruled that jurisdiction in the case does not lie with Finland, but with the ship’s flag state, the Cook Islands, or the country of which the sailors are citizens. As a result, the trial was halted, and Finland was ordered to pay about $200,000 in legal costs for the defendants. The ship’s owner is also considering suing the Finnish authorities for the arrest and detention of the ship.
Lawyers call the decision a dangerous precedent. In their opinion, this interpretation of maritime law creates a “loophole” that allows avoiding liability for damage or sabotage of underwater infrastructure in international waters.
