Following significant damage to the Estlink 2 power cable, which connects Finland and Estonia, investigations are underway to determine the cause and responsibility of the incident. Authorities have focused on the oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of damaging the cable on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. This incident has raised major concerns about the security of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The disruption occurred shortly after noon on Christmas Day, as Finnish power transmission operator Fingrid reported the failure of the Estlink 2. Arto Pahkin, Fingrid's control manager, confirmed the fault was located on the Finnish side of the underwater cable, but it did not pose any immediate threat to Finland’s electricity supply, which remains stable.
It was around this time when officials noticed irregularities with the Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands, which was reportedly carrying 35,000 tons of unleaded gasoline. Finnish authorities quickly set measures to investigate the ship, which was sailing from Saint Petersburg to Egypt. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance data indicated the vessel may have been involved with significant alterations to the seabed, potentially due to its anchor.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stressed the importance of addressing what he termed the "shadow fleet" — vessels like the Eagle S, which operate under dubious circumstances and may lack necessary insurance. The Prime Minister stated firmly, “We cannot look at this from the sidelines, and we will not.”
“This incident raises alarms about the maritime security situation of our region,” Orpo highlighted during a press briefing, emphasizing the need for stronger security measures. It was also noted by police and investigators working on the case, led by the central criminal police (KRP), who classify the event as aggravated sabotage.
Upon reaching the Eagle S on the night of the incident, authorities found the vessel’s anchor chain detached. Markku Hassinen of the Finnish Border Guard reported, “The anchor chain simply came up.” The interruption of the Estlink 2 cable is just one aspect of the challenge posed by the recent rise of underwater cable damages, having affected other telecommunications lines as well.
Authorities are conducting extensive investigations, gathering evidence aboard the Eagle S, working with the crew, and assessing the anchor’s impact on the seabed infrastructure. KRP Chief Robin Lardot shared, “We are interested in what can be found on the Eagle S,” indicating the importance of this inquiry beyond immediate distress.
Meanwhile, the incident has rekindled discussions about the need for NATO involvement to safeguard underwater infrastructure. Orpo reiterated the importance of finding effective means to halt illegal maritime activities, stating, “The primary task is to find effective means to stop this shadow fleet.”
Recent events have shown the vulnerability of Baltic Sea connections, with repeated incidents of damage to undersea cables. Authorities are examining the historical patterns of these occurrences, stating, “This may very well happen again,” according to Orpo, who highlighted the urgency for preventive measures.
Last October, another significant incident involved the Balticconnector pipeline between Finland and Estonia. Current investigations extend to assess whether the Eagle S had violated international sanctions concerning its cargo.
Officials assert the necessity to secure the area surrounding the Eagle S with restrictions to preserve evidence and facilitate investigations, highlighting increasing tensions concerning maritime security. The cargo ship, considered part of the shadow fleet, was observed to have altered its speed significantly around the time the cable fault occurred.
The complex nature of maritime law and the challenges posed by unregulated vessels necessitate serious consideration. Orpo conveyed the difficulty of managing the presence of shadow fleets under current international frameworks, stressing the need for fresh strategies to improve oversight.
The incidents surrounding the Estlink 2 cable raise pressing questions about regional safety, the potential for foreign vessel activity to disrupt national infrastructure, and the cross-border ramifications of unregulated maritime operations. Finnish authorities remain committed to resolving the incident and ensuring safety on the waters.
With the investigation still underway and the ramifications of the incident continuing to ripple across the region, it is clear the future of Finland-Estonia maritime relations is under scrutiny. The effort to bolster security and prevent future occurrences is top of mind for officials and residents alike.
Finland's proactive approach reflects the urgency of the situation, as the nation grapples with the multifaceted repercussions extending well beyond the immediate technical failures. The protection of underwater cables and their significance to transnational energy grids is becoming imperative as global maritime tensions rise.
