Finnish authorities have set off alarm bells following the seizure of the Russian-linked tanker Eagle S by local police. The vessel is under investigation for its suspected involvement in the damage to Estonia's Estlink 2 undersea cable on Christmas Day 2023, marking the first time such action has been taken against a ship believed to be connected with sabotaging undersea infrastructure.
On December 25, reports surfaced indicating the 20-year-old tanker, flagged under the Cook Islands, had allegedly dragged anchor as it sailed from Russia through the Gulf of Finland. This incident was more than just bad navigation; it resulted in significant damage to the Estlink 2 cable, cutting off the electricity supply from Finland to Estonia.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "This is the first time...that has been taken...by authorities." She added the seizure was unprecedented, setting the stage for increased scrutiny over the so-called 'dark fleet'—a group of tankers linked to Russian oil shipments operating under suspicious corporate structures.
The investigation by Finnish police classified the damage as "aggravated vandalism" and initiated what they described as field operations involving border guards and defense forces. Police reported unusual circumstances, stating, "When the Finnish Border Guard asked Eagle S to raise anchor, only the anchor chain surfaced." This has raised questions about the vessel's operations, including its maintenance practices.
The Eagle S was reportedly carrying 35,000 tons of unleaded petrol when it was seized. Having loaded this cargo at the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga on December 23, the ship’s patterns suggest it may have been used as part of Russia's worldwide efforts to circumvent sanctions by using shadowy corporate structures. One source, Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, claimed the damage to undersea infrastructure was not merely coincidental, declaring, "They have become systematic, and we must...consider them as attacks on our infrastructure."
Authorities have noted the increasingly frequent incidents of sabotage against undersea cables, highlighting the risks posed by these aging vessels. The Eagle S is not alone; it is part of a 26-tanker fleet linked to companies reportedly trying to hide their ownership through complex corporate arrangements. These practices make legitimate tracking and accountability significantly challenging.
This seizure endorses previous concerns raised about maritime security and the protective measures necessary for undersea infrastructure. The actions of the Finnish and Estonian authorities represent a strong local response to perceived threats and their determination to safeguard national interests amid growing geopolitical tensions.
For years, incidents involving vessels suspected of cable sabotage have occurred without conclusive action due to international maritime laws allowing ships the right of innocent passage through territorial waters. Prior attempts to detain such vessels were unsuccessful, resulting only in the fugitive nature of these operations. This scenario changed with the detention of Eagle S, which signals to the maritime community potential shifts toward stricter enforcement of maritime law.
Notably, the suspected action raises broader questions about the accountability and safety of maritime trade practices linked to Russian oil since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The shipping industry remains on alert, with Western sanctions on Russian oil prompting many ships to reclassify and linger under different flags to evade detection and sanctions.
The dark fleet, as defined by industry sources, includes ships older than fifteen years, anonymous ownership, and those utilized solely for sanctioned oil trade. The Eagle S fits these criteria; it had previously experienced several issues posing environmental and crew safety risks during inspections. It had reportedly changed its classification society to avoid the scrutiny of its condition, which raised several red flags among maritime regulators.
The frustrations around international cooperation are echoed even within the Baltic Sea. Just weeks before the Eagle S seizure, another vessel, the Yi Peng 3, was suspected of involvement in similar sabotage but was allowed to sail due to the right of innocent passage. Claims surfaced about delays stemming from the Chinese government limiting authorities' access to the vessel for inspection, underscoring the difficulties faced by nations seeking accountability against international maritime malpractices.
The precarious state of undersea infrastructure calls for more rigorous defense measures to counter unauthorized and potentially malicious activities by maritime fleets operating under the shadows of global sanctions. It’s imperative for countries like Finland and Estonia to converge their maritime defense strategies to protect their national interests and bolster regional security.
The seizure of the Eagle S puts on full display the intricacies of maritime regulations, ownership obfuscation, and the strings of diplomacy cloaked beneath the waves. This incident not only impacts the nations directly involved but also impacts how other nations will view and manage maritime threats moving forward. Only time will determine if this severe action leads to any significant policy changes or shifts within the murky waters of maritime trading practices.
