Russian "shadow fleet" hazards spotlight Denmark's maritime challenges

Through the waters of Denmark, old, worn-out ships used by Russia for transporting oil sail. They navigate fully submerged, and their crews are poorly trained, particularly in English proficiency. At the beginning of March, in the Sund Strait, one of these tankers was involved in a collision, with previous incidents also reported - according to Danish media.

As per the maritime shipping analytics firm Kpler, quoted by Danish Radio, from 1 December to 28 February, 191 Russian tankers passed through the Danish straits, with some displaying questionable insurance documents.

- These are antiquated ships that sail at full submersion. Typically, they decline our services (navigation) and do not want pilots on board while navigating our waters - stated Mikael Pedersen, the president of the Marine Pilots Union, during an interview with Danish Radio.

He further mentioned, "the crews are inadequately trained, especially in English language proficiency".

In the Sund Strait, south of Copenhagen, at the beginning of March, the tanker MS Andromeda Star, engaged in transporting Russian oil, collided with the cargo ship MS Peace. Fortunately, there was no leakage, as Andromeda was not carrying any cargo at the time. Following the collision, the vessel required repairs at a shipyard in Odense.

Western sanctions imposed on Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 have led Russia to utilize what is termed the "shadow fleet" to continue its oil exports. This fleet comprises old tankers from countries such as Gabon in Central Africa.

The Danish straits, linking the North Sea with the Baltic Sea, are narrow and not very deep, while simultaneously, experiencing significant maritime traffic.

Jakob Kjogx Bohr, an investigative journalist from the DanWatch portal, highlighted several instances when ships employed by Russia found themselves stranded in Danish waters due to poor technical conditions. Moreover - Bohr points out - it proves challenging for Danish authorities to intercept these vessels in practice.

In May 2023, near the coast of Langeland island, the engine of the tanker Canis Power, loaded with nearly 48,000 tonnes (approximately 300,000 barrels) of Russian oil, failed. The immobilised ship obstructed navigation for other vessels for several hours.

Another concern raised by the portal encompasses Denmark's lack of readiness for an oil spill, which could lead to an environmental catastrophe. In a report issued at the beginning of January, the Danish Audit Chamber concluded that the rescue services are under-resourced.

Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, assured DanWatch of his support for measures at the EU level aimed at dismantling the Russian shadow fleet.