Russia's shadow fleet begins avoiding Swedish waters due to possible arrests - Bloomberg
Kyiv • UNN
Tankers of Russia's shadow fleet carrying oil through the Baltic have begun choosing the southern route past Bornholm, avoiding Swedish checks. Sweden is strengthening controls, while Denmark is less resolute.
Shadow fleet tankers carrying Russian oil through the Baltic Sea have begun to avoid Swedish waters after this country started conducting ship inspections at sea and checking their documents. This is reported by Bloomberg, UNN writes.
Details
Ship tracking data collected by the publication shows that out of 22 tankers sanctioned since April 7, 13 sailed south of the Danish island of Bornholm, instead of the usual northern route closer to Sweden, which they had used previously. This indicates a clear change in route, as tankers suspected of belonging to the shadow fleet appear to be adjusting their course to avoid Swedish inspections.
These data, which align with the findings of a recent report by the Swedish TV channel TV4, indicate that stricter control over the shadow fleet is forcing vessels to choose new, potentially longer routes, leading to increased fuel costs.
The changes in the Baltic Sea occurred after the Swedish Coast Guard inspected the vessels Sea Owl 1 and Caffa in March due to suspicions that they were sailing under false flags. At the beginning of April, officials also boarded the vessel Flora 1 due to suspicion that it was the source of an oil spill. The charges were not proven, and the vessel was released.
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Speaking on Wednesday, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that the importance of Sweden and other countries regularly inspecting vessels of the Russian shadow fleet should not be underestimated. "This both protects Swedish waters and complicates the shadow fleet's operations. Limiting Russia's revenues from energy exports is the most effective way to force Putin to sit down at the negotiating table," he said during a parliamentary committee meeting.
However, as the publication notes, neighboring Denmark applies a less decisive approach. Although Copenhagen has tightened control over tankers, officials have not dared to block or stop transit vessels, citing international maritime law that guarantees freedom of navigation through Danish straits.
This is important because this route is mandatory for tankers departing from Russian Baltic Sea ports—a region that is the undisputed leader in oil exports from Russia. Enhanced control extends to inspecting vessels anchored in Danish waters and requiring proof of insurance from transit vessels.
The Danish authorities "closely monitor vessels in Danish waters" and maintain "close cooperation with like-minded countries in the Baltic Sea region," the Danish Maritime Authority stated in a comment to the publication. Although providing proof of insurance is voluntary, any violations or refusal to provide documentation may affect decisions on sanctions, the message states.