Tanker linked to Baltic cable damage detained over serious safety flaws

Finnish authorities have detained the Eagle S oil tanker following a port state inspection that uncovered serious safety deficiencies. The vessel, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions, is suspected of damaging critical und

By: helsinkitimes.fi

Jan 09 2025
0
0 Views

Tanker linked to Baltic cable

Finnish authorities have detained the Eagle S oil tanker following a port state inspection that uncovered serious safety deficiencies. The vessel, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions, is suspected of damaging critical undersea cables in the Baltic Sea on Christmas Day.

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) revealed that 32 deficiencies were identified during the inspection, with three deemed critical.

These included issues with fire safety systems, navigation equipment, and pump room ventilation, raising significant safety concerns.

“Operating the ship is forbidden until the deficiencies have been rectified,” said Sanna Sonninen, Director of Maritime Affairs at Traficom. Repairs will require external assistance and could take considerable time, she added.

The detention follows the recovery of an anchor in the Gulf of Finland, believed to belong to the Eagle S, which Finnish authorities suspect was intentionally dragged to damage the Estlink 2 power cable and several telecom lines.

The tanker, flying the flag of the Cook Islands, has been linked to Russia’s shadow fleet of unregulated vessels used to transport oil and circumvent Western sanctions. Finnish customs officials have impounded its cargo, and eight crew members face travel bans as part of an ongoing investigation led by the National Bureau of Investigation.

The damage to the cables disrupted critical infrastructure in the Baltic region and is part of a wider pattern of suspicious incidents affecting underwater infrastructure since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NATO has announced plans to bolster its presence in the Baltic Sea to counter these threats.

Inspectors found that many of the Eagle S's issues stemmed from poor implementation of its safety management system, which had also been flagged in a previous inspection. Additional deficiencies were noted in crew accommodations, electrical systems, and general maintenance.

Russia’s shadow fleet, consisting of aging vessels with questionable insurance and ownership structures, has been a focal point for maritime regulators. These ships, often flagged in jurisdictions with limited oversight, pose heightened risks of accidents and environmental damage.

Russian officials have dismissed the matter as unrelated to Moscow, though Finnish authorities continue to press their investigation. A Finnish court recently rejected a request to release the tanker, maintaining its detention while legal and technical reviews proceed.

“Traficom’s inspection underscores our commitment to improving maritime safety in the Baltic Sea. When deficiencies are detected, they will be addressed,” said Finnish Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

The Eagle S will remain anchored off the coast of Finland until repairs are verified or a remedial plan is approved by its flag state. Meanwhile, investigations into the suspected sabotage and the vessel’s links to broader geopolitical tensions continue.