On Thursday, the Swedish coast guard intervened with a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier accused of discharging waste into the Baltic Sea. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin remarked on the coast guard’s proactive surveillance in combating environmental crimes, stressing the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem from illegal dumping activities.
Swedish prosecutors have determined that damage to an undersea communication cable between Sweden and Latvia was accidental, concluding their investigation initiated after the cable was discovered damaged on January 26, 2025. Severe weather, technical failures, and vessel handling negligence contributed to the incident, which involved the Maltese-flagged vessel, Vezhen.
The captain of the Hong Kong-registered container ship New Polar Bear, Wan Wenguo, appeared in a Hong Kong court without legal representation, facing charges of criminal damage to a natural gas pipeline and telecommunications cables. The case has been postponed to allow the prosecution to gather further evidence.
The captain of a Hong Kong container ship, Wan Wenguo, has been arrested for allegedly damaging the BalticConnector pipeline, crucial for gas transport between Estonia and Finland. Prosecutors cite his negligence in maintaining equipment and reporting duties. This incident heightens security concerns in the Baltic Sea, prompting NATO’s increased presence.
Eckerö Line, a Finnish ferry company, partners with Neste to reduce emissions in the Baltic Sea by using renewable diesel made from waste materials. They aim to meet the emissions reduction requirement of the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Through various measures like speed adjustments and technical improvements, Eckerö Line is leading the way in sustainable maritime transport.
Sweden is investigating a potential breach of an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, where multiple cables have been damaged recently. The NATO alliance has increased its presence in the region due to outages to power cables and gas pipelines. Concerns about security of undersea infrastructure are rising as incidents continue.
Polish Maritime Border Guard officers made a significant discovery in the Baltic Sea, finding over 100 kilograms of cocaine worth $15 million on the black market. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the need to protect national security. Seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the drugs.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has suggested that captains of ships damaging underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea should face EU sanctions. This proposal comes amid discussions for sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Sikorski highlighted the need to hold individuals accountable to prevent further damage and maintain security in the region.
Shipping companies navigating the Baltic Sea may soon face a new fee to protect critical undersea cables, proposed by Estonia’s defense minister. NATO plans to deploy frigates, patrol aircraft, and drones to address cable damage incidents. The initiative aims to enhance security measures to prevent future disruptions and ensure maritime safety in the region.
Finland’s public transport agency found serious deficiencies in the Eagle S tanker, suspecting it of damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, carrying Russian oil, is banned from operating until repairs are made. NATO plans to increase its presence in the region due to outages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The owner of the oil tanker suspected of damaging a subsea power line and telecom cables in the Baltic Sea is requesting the release of the ship. Finnish authorities seized the Cook Islands-registered Eagle S, believed to have caused the destruction. The incident has put Baltic Sea nations on high alert amid tensions.
A Swedish cargo ship caught fire off the coast of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, prompting a swift rescue operation. The crew issued a Mayday call, leading to Danish rescue teams responding promptly. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s helicopter rescued all crew members safely. The coordinated efforts of Swedish and Danish teams ensured a successful operation.
