Sweden is increasing oversight of insurance coverage for Russian vessels operating in the Baltic Sea. This was reported by Swedish radio outlet Ekot, citing the Swedish Ministry of Justice.
The Swedish government is introducing new measures to combat the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russian-flagged ships by implementing insurance verification for foreign vessels.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing control over maritime activity in the Baltic region.
Starting July 1, the Swedish Coast Guard and the Swedish Maritime Administration will begin collecting data on the insurance status not only of ships entering Swedish ports, but also of those merely transiting Sweden’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
We believe this will have a deterrent effect on vessels that are part of Russia’s shadow fleet and provide a foundation for further measures, such as sanctions targeting more vessels.
Gunnar Strömmer, Minister of Justice
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that this tightening of controls is part of broader efforts to disrupt the operations of the shadow fleet, whose vessels are often outdated and have opaque ownership structures.
Many of these ships are uninsured and are used to bypass international sanctions, including the price cap on Russian oil.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, in an official press release, noted that the Swedish government has observed “a growing number of problematic incidents in the Baltic Sea,” which necessitates not only hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
This also provides Sweden and our allies with valuable intelligence about these vessels, which can serve as a basis for imposing sanctions on a greater number of ships belonging to the shadow fleet.
Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister
He also remarked that these measures underscore “Sweden’s clear presence in the Baltic Sea,” which contributes to a broader deterrent effect.
It should be recalled that on May 20, 2025, the European Union adopted its 17th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
This package includes nearly 200 ships associated with the shadow fleet. According to Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, approximately 84 percent of Russia’s crude oil exports are transported through the Baltic Sea by this shadow fleet.
Incidents Involving Damaged Cables in the Baltic Sea
- On November 18, 2024, Finnish authorities reported damage to a submarine telecommunications cable running between Finland and Germany through the Baltic Sea. On the same day, another cable linking Lithuania and Sweden was reported severed.
- In early December 2024, two additional disruptions were recorded on land-based portions of internet cables connecting Sweden and Finland, specifically in Espoo and Vihti.
- On December 25, 2024, Finland’s national grid operator Fingrid announced damage to the Estlink 2 underwater power cable, which connects Finland and Estonia.
