New Ship Fee Proposed to Protect Undersea Cables in the Baltic Sea

Shipping companies navigating the Baltic Sea, a key maritime route, may soon face a new fee to support the protection of critical undersea cables, as proposed by Estonia’s defense minister. This initiative follows a series of incidents where ships allegedly damaged power and communication cables with their anchors, prompting security concerns. NATO recently announced plans to deploy frigates, patrol aircraft, and drones in the Baltic Sea to address these issues.

In addition to military patrols, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur highlighted the need for enhanced security measures, such as installing sensors to detect anchor movements and constructing protective barriers around vulnerable cables. However, implementing these measures comes with significant costs that could potentially be passed on to consumers through taxes or higher utility rates. As an alternative, Pevkur suggested imposing a fee on ships transiting the Baltic Sea, similar to airport fees, to serve as insurance against cable damage.

Every year, around 150 undersea cables suffer damage, with the Baltic Sea being particularly at risk due to its shallow waters and heavy maritime traffic. Recent incidents, including the detention of a Maltese-flagged vessel suspected of damaging a cable between Latvia and Sweden, have raised concerns about coordinated interference by ships associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet.” While investigations are ongoing, Pevkur emphasized the need for collective action among affected countries to address these security threats. Moscow has denied any involvement, dismissing the allegations as baseless accusations made by Western nations.

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