Sweden has detected the presence of Russian military personnel on tankers of the so-called shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea amid increased Russian military activity in the region, Swedish Navy officials reported.
According to the Navy, Russian activity includes the deployment of warships guarding certain areas of the Baltic Sea, as well as the presence of armed personnel on board some tankers. Marco Petkovic, Head of Operations at the Swedish Navy, stated that there is no immediate cause for concern, but authorities consider it important to inform the public about developments at sea.
Reports of military personnel aboard shadow fleet vessels began circulating actively last autumn. For instance, the Danish outlet Danwatch published accounts from pilots who reported threatening situations while flying near such ships. The Swedish Navy confirmed it has similar information about people in military uniforms and armed, presumably linked to private security firms, being present on tankers.
At the same time, authorities point to the risks associated with shadow fleet operations. According to the Coast Guard, several oil tankers regularly transit the Baltic Sea, posing a risk of environmental disaster. A recent report emphasized that the shadow fleet poses a threat, including to the coast of Skåne. Investigations continue into incidents in the Baltic Sea, including the severing of an underwater cable, for which no verdict has yet been reached as the Finnish court lacks jurisdiction.
Marco Petkovic confirmed that the Navy has seen and received information indicating that military personnel in uniform are indeed on some shadow fleet vessels. He also noted that Russia has recently intensified its military monitoring of the Baltic Sea. According to him, Russian naval presence has become more permanent and visible over large areas. Russian ships periodically operate in various parts of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, seemingly to some extent in support of the shadow fleet.
Military sources speaking to SVT said that the Russian operation involves a fairly constant naval presence in several specific zones adjacent to major shipping routes. As a result, the navies of Baltic countries are actively engaged and conducting stationary maritime surveillance. Petkovic emphasized that he does not see an immediate threat, noting that the military has a complete picture of the situation and there is no reason for panic.
Deputy Head of Operations at the Coast Guard Daniel Stenling stated that in strategically important coastal areas, there is an increased presence of Russian naval forces. Commenting on reports of military personnel in uniform aboard tankers, he noted that this indicates the particular importance of the shadow fleet for Russia. According to him, the Coast Guard has not directly observed such cases but assumes that this activity is highly significant for Russia, meaning additional security measures, including such forms of vessel protection, can be expected.
