Sweden to tighten control over foreign vessels to combat Russia’s “shadow fleet”

The Swedish government has adopted a new resolution to tighten insurance checks on foreign ships to strengthen control over Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

This decision is stated in a statement by the Swedish government, AP reported.

The new provision, which tightens control over foreign vessels heading to Sweden by requiring insurance information, will take effect on July 1.

According to the regulation, the Swedish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be able to collect insurance information even from ships passing through Swedish territorial waters or economic zones, not just those entering port.

“We are seeing more and more problematic incidents in the Baltic Sea, and this requires us not only to hope for the best but also to prepare for the worst,” commented Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson”

Russia uses a “shadow fleet” to transport oil and gas or to transport stolen Ukrainian grain.

Recently, a Russian “shadow fleet” vessel was spotted performing “suspicious maneuvers” near the power cable connecting Poland and Sweden.

The European Union has already added nearly 350 ships from the “shadow fleet” to its sanctions list, most recently on May 20.