Group of European states issues joint warning to Russia's shadow fleet

A group of 14 European countries has issued a public warning to tankers belonging to Russia's shadow fleet operating in the Baltic and North seas.

Source: UK Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The signatories said that vessels may sail only under the flag of a single state and must carry valid safety and insurance documentation.

They stressed that tankers which fail to meet these requirements will be treated as stateless vessels.

The countries also accused Russia of interfering with satellite positioning and navigation systems.

In their statement, they said the global maritime community must cooperate to develop alternative terrestrial radio-navigation systems that can serve as a backup in the event of satellite disruption. They also warned that automatic identification systems on ships must not be interfered with.

The signatories are Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Background:

• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has recently called for stronger action against Russia's shadow fleet.
• It was also reported earlier that Finland's Border Guard, together with other Baltic Sea states and the European Commission, is establishing a maritime surveillance centre to protect critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland.

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