In a significant escalation of maritime tensions in the Baltic Sea, Russia has commenced deploying warships to escort its so-called “shadow fleet” oil tankers through the Gulf of Finland. This development follows recent incidents involving these tankers near critical undersea infrastructure, raising concerns among neighboring countries and NATO allies.
The “shadow fleet” comprises aging vessels, often sailing under flags of convenience, used by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and continue oil exports. These tankers have been linked to environmental risks due to their poor condition and lack of proper insurance coverage. Finnish authorities have reported that approximately 70 such tankers, each capable of carrying over 100,000 tonnes of crude oil, navigate through the Gulf of Finland weekly, increasing the risk of oil spills in the region’s shallow and ecologically sensitive waters.
The deployment of Russian naval escorts aims to safeguard these tankers, especially after incidents like the suspicious maneuvers of the tanker Sun near a vital undersea power cable connecting Poland and Sweden. Polish military intervention deterred the vessel, highlighting the potential threats posed by the shadow fleet to critical infrastructure.
