Sweden Intensifies Surveillance of Russian 'Shadow Fleet' in the Baltic Sea
Sweden enhances surveillance of foreign vessels to deter Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea.
Key Points
- • Sweden increases control over foreign vessels in the Baltic Sea starting July 1, 2025.
- • The Coast Guard will collect insurance information from passing vessels.
- • Measures aim to deter ships linked to the Russian shadow fleet.
- • Lack of insurance responses could lead to closer monitoring.
Sweden is set to enhance its surveillance and control measures over foreign vessels in the Baltic Sea, specifically targeting ships associated with the Russian 'shadow fleet.' This decision, announced on May 31, 2025, comes as part of broader efforts to enforce sanctions and ensure maritime security. The new regulations will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
Under these measures, the Swedish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will have the authority to collect and scrutinize insurance information from vessels not only docking in Swedish ports but also transiting through Swedish waters and its exclusive economic zone. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer stated that this initiative aims to deter vessels linked to the shadow fleet, which typically includes older ships with unclear ownership and no insurance, often employed to circumvent international sanctions such as the oil price cap.
Vessels are not legally obligated to respond to inquiries regarding their insurance status. However, responses—or a lack thereof—may significantly indicate which ships warrant further investigation. Strömmer emphasized that the initiative is meant to have a preventive and deterrent effect, underscoring the importance of monitoring maritime activity closely, especially in light of the geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's actions.