Swedish Coast Guard Takes Control Of Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker In Baltic Sea

Sweden’s Coast Guard on Sunday boarded and took control of a tanker suspected to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea.

The ship, named Jin Hui, was intercepted in Swedish territorial waters south of Trelleborg at around 2:00 p.m. local time.

Authorities said the 182-metre vessel was flying a Syrian flag but is suspected of operating under a false flag due to several irregularities in its registration.

Sweden’s Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin said the vessel raised concerns over seaworthiness and lacked proper insurance. He added that it was believed to be part of the Russian shadow fleet.

The Coast Guard, working with police, carried out the boarding and has ordered the vessel to anchor south of Trelleborg while the investigation continues.

Officials said the tanker was likely not carrying any cargo, and its destination was not known.

A preliminary investigation has been launched into unseaworthiness and possible violations of maritime regulations.

Authorities said vessels that do not meet international safety and documentation requirements will not be allowed to operate in Swedish waters.

Jin Hui is listed under sanctions by the European Union, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, adding to suspicions about its operations.

This is the latest in a series of similar cases handled by Sweden this year. On March 6, the Coast Guard seized the 96-metre cargo vessel Caffa on suspicion of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.

That vessel was later confiscated on April 29 following a request for legal assistance from a foreign country, which Swedish prosecutors did not name.

On March 12, authorities also boarded the 228-metre tanker Sea Owl I near Trelleborg. That vessel was flying a Comoros flag that officials believed was not genuine.

So far this year, Sweden has stopped five vessels over suspected offences, including false flag operations and environmental risks such as oil spills.

In some cases, criminal proceedings have been started against crew members.

Ships linked to Russia’s shadow fleet are often older vessels with unclear ownership, limited or no insurance, and poor maintenance.

These ships are used to move oil and other cargo outside Western sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine.

European countries have increased checks in the Baltic Sea and nearby routes to limit such operations. Russia has criticised these actions and called them hostile.

References: Reuters, Swedish Coast Guard