Sweden will step up insurance checks on foreign ships as worries about Russia rise
STOCKHOLM — Sweden has announced plans to enhance insurance checks on foreign vessels, with a specific focus on Russia’s aging “shadow fleet.” The Swedish government will increase monitoring efforts starting July 1, involving the coast guard and the Swedish Maritime Administration in collecting insurance information from ships passing through Swedish territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating that it strengthens Sweden’s presence in the Baltic Sea and acts as a deterrent. The initiative will also provide vital information to identify vessels in the shadow fleet for potential sanctions.
Russia’s shadow fleet is utilized for various purposes, including the transportation of oil, gas, and stolen Ukrainian grain. The European Union has imposed sanctions on nearly 350 of these vessels, with the most recent measures announced on May 20.
Kristersson highlighted the need for proactive measures in the face of escalating events in the Baltic Sea, stating the importance of preparedness for potential risks. The average age of the vessels in question is approximately 18 years, indicating a higher susceptibility to accidents if not properly maintained.
