Russian Authorities Halt Greek-Owned Vessel Amid Rising Maritime Tensions
A Greek-owned vessel was stopped by Russian authorities while navigating through contested waters, escalating maritime tensions in the Baltic region.
Key Points
- • The Greek-owned vessel Green Admire was halted by Russia after leaving Estonia.
- • The ship was on an approved route to Rotterdam when intercepted.
- • Estonia's Foreign Ministry has warned vessels to avoid Russian waters.
- • The incident follows a recent unsuccessful attempt by Estonia to stop a suspected Russian shadow fleet vessel.
The Greek-owned vessel Green Admire was intercepted by Russian authorities after departing from Sillamäe port in Estonia early on May 18, 2025. The ship, which was on a pre-approved route to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, found itself navigating through Russian territorial waters when it was directed to anchor near Hogland Island in the Gulf of Finland.
In light of the incident, Estonia's Foreign Ministry promptly issued a warning to vessels traveling to or from Estonian ports, urging them to avoid Russian territorial waters altogether. This caution follows Estonia's recent attempts to exert control over maritime activities, including a failed interception of an unregistered vessel believed to belong to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. That vessel ignored Estonia's directives and was later escorted away by Russian military aircraft, further underscoring the ongoing maritime tensions in the Baltic region.
The Green Admire's incident highlights not just the complexities of territorial waters in the Baltic Sea but also the escalating tensions between Russia and neighboring states regarding maritime navigation and sovereignty.
As the situation unfolds, maritime authorities and shipping companies are likely to reevaluate their operations and security measures in these increasingly contested waters, reflecting heightened geopolitical concerns in the aftermath of these events.