NATO member states are beginning to tighten the operation of ships entering and leaving the St. Petersburg area, Russia.
The focus of this operation is on violations related to oil tankers believed to belong to Russia's "dark fleet". At the same time, ships capable of pulling anchors that affect submarine cables are also being closely monitored.
The latest inspection took place on the morning of April 12, when Swedish authorities discovered a bulk cargo ship showing signs of violating marine environmental pollution.
At about 8 am on April 12, the KBV 003 patrol ship of the Swedish Coast Guard (Kustbevakningen) intercepted and inspected the cargo ship Hui Yuan flying the Panama flag off Ystad, southern Sweden.
Kustbevakningen suspected that the ship had discharged coal residue into the sea, a prohibited act in the Baltic Sea region of Sweden.
When questioned, the captain admitted to "performing this act due to negligence", according to Swedish prosecutor Hakan Andersson sharing with SVT. The ship paid a guarantee to prepare for future penalties and was allowed to leave as usual.
Hui Yuan ship flying the Panama flag. The ship loading coal at Utramar port near Ust-Luga, Russia last week. Hui Yuan is currently signaling its destination is Las Palmas, Spain. However, it is unclear whether the ship actually unloaded goods in Las Palmas, because the European Union (EU) has banned coal imports from Russia.
The maritime transport industry needs to understand that Swedish authorities are closely coordinating to maintain maritime order. We are acting to enhance maritime safety and protect the environment. If there are suspicious ships, we will intervene depending on the actual situation," said Daniel Stenling, Deputy Head of Operations Department of the Swedish Coast Guard.
