Starting July 1, Sweden will enforce new maritime regulations requiring all ships—whether stopping at Swedish ports or merely passing through its territorial waters or economic zone—to submit insurance documentation. The move targets the Russian “shadow fleet” and aligns Sweden with a growing bloc of nations, including Estonia, Finland, and the European Union, escalating efforts to safeguard the Baltic Sea from illicit maritime activities.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored the urgency: “Now we have made an important decision to protect the Baltic Sea from the Russian shadow fleet… Security can’t wait.” The Swedish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will spearhead this increased surveillance by collecting and verifying insurance information for all transiting vessels.
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer emphasized that the shadow fleet, often accused of evading international regulations and safety norms, poses serious threats to maritime security and environmental integrity. “We are now increasing surveillance in the Baltic Sea,” he said.
Sweden’s decision follows the European Commission’s April mandate that all vessels—whether docking or transiting EU waters—must provide valid insurance credentials. These regulatory clampdowns have stirred geopolitical friction. Estonia’s interception of a suspected shadow fleet tanker triggered a Russian military response, while Finland also reported airspace incursions linked to its monitoring efforts.
To date, the EU has sanctioned more than 300 tankers associated with Russia’s oil trade, with discussions underway for further measures. In response, Russia has begun assigning naval escorts to shadow fleet tankers leaving its oil terminals.
At the UN Security Council, Russia’s Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia lashed out, branding these maritime checks as acts of “Baltic piracy” endorsed by EU “cheerleaders.” Despite such rhetoric, Baltic nations remain resolute in their enforcement strategies amid mounting security and environmental concerns.
Swifteradio.com
