Sweden targets Russia’s hidden fleet with stricter Baltic Sea rules

Starting July 1, the country will expand its authority to monitor foreign vessels passing through its territorial waters or economic zone.

From now on, the Swedish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be able to obtain insurance data not only for ships entering ports but also for those merely transiting through Swedish waters.

The government considers this an effective step to strengthen sanctions pressure.

"We think it will have both a deterrent effect on vessels that are part of the Russian shadow fleet, and provide a basis for taking other measures, such as sanctioning more vessels," said Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer in an interview with Swedish radio Ekot.

This concerns vessels that often lack insurance coverage, are technically worn out, have opaque ownership structures, and are used to circumvent sanctions, including restrictions on oil supplies.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that tightening control is part of broader efforts to strengthen Sweden’s presence in the region and enhance the security of the Baltic Sea.

"It also provides Sweden and our allies with important information about vessels that can be used as a basis for sanctioning more vessels in the shadow fleet," Kristersson stressed in a press release.

Sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet

Recall that on May 20, the EU adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 ships of the so-called shadow fleet.

In addition, on May 20, the UK introduced new broad sanctions against Russia aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow’s military, energy, and financial sectors.