Sweden intercepts second suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in its waters

Swedish Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin has reported that on Thursday 12 March and for the second time this week, his country has intercepted a tanker in its waters suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet. The coast guard has boarded the vessel.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Bolin said late on 12 March that the Swedish coast guard had boarded a tanker in Swedish territorial waters that is suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet.

"The vessel is called Sea Owl 1 and is suspected of not being registered to any state. It is listed under EU sanctions and transports oil or other liquid fuels. Like the previous operation, called Black Coffee, this operation involved a national task force and was coordinated with the relevant authorities," he said.

Bolin emphasised that Russia's shadow fleet is a serious threat both in terms of security and environmental protection, as these are usually old tankers in poor condition that sail under false flags or no flag at all and without insurance.

"The shadow fleet also plays a central role in Russia's economy and in sustaining its capacity to wage war against Ukraine. In this context, our government considers active countermeasures necessary. Current times demand determination and clear action and Swedish authorities have once again demonstrated both," he added.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha shared Bolin's post, adding his thanks to Stockholm for its resolve.

"Russia's shadow fleet helps finance its war against Ukraine and threatens our European security. It must be confronted decisively and without hesitation," Sybiha said.

Background:

• On 6 March, Sweden stopped and detained the vessel Caffa in the Baltic Sea over suspicions of sailing under a false flag and violating maritime law and security regulations. The Russian captain of the ship was subsequently arrested.
• On the night of 28 February-1 March, Belgium, with the help of French military helicopters, detained the oil tanker Ethera in the North Sea, another vessel linked to Russia's shadow fleet.
• Reports indicated that the UK and its allies are discussing possible military measures against Russia's shadow fleet.

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