Germany and Sweden Collaborate with EU to Uncover Hidden Fleet of Tankers

Germany, in collaboration with Sweden, is set to require ships to disclose their insurance details, as reported by various Baltic and Scandinavian nations along with the EU. This move aims to bolster regulations on Russian vessels operating in these waters.

dr. Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, emphasized that this initiative will enhance cooperation among allies and ramp up pressure on Russia. Starting July 1, 2025, German authorities will specifically inquire about tankers’ insurance against oil pollution risks—notably those navigating near Fehmarn Island, which lies just a short distance from Sweden.

Unlike Estonia and Finland’s approach of halting ships for inspections, Germany’s strategy focuses more on gathering information that could lead to future sanctions against non-compliant vessels. A notable incident occurred in 2025 when Germany detained the tanker Eventin after it experienced a blackout; it was later seized for being part of a shadow fleet that breached regulations.

Sweden is also stepping up its efforts by increasing surveillance of suspicious vessels linked to the shadow fleet—these are often outdated tankers operating without oversight and posing meaningful environmental hazards due to potential accidents or oil spills. Denmark recently monitored one such vessel entering and exiting the Baltic Sea but opted not to detain it due to legal complications surrounding seizures.In response, Russia has vowed to safeguard its tankers involved in oil trade activities. In May,tensions escalated when a Russian warplane entered Estonian airspace while authorities were addressing a suspected tanker issue.

At the United Nations level, Russia has labeled these actions by EU countries as acts of piracy while urging compliance with maritime laws ensuring free navigation. meanwhile, concerns have been raised regarding incidents like subsea cable damage and pollution risks stemming from aging tankers transporting Russian crude globally.

The EU and U.K. have been proactive in tightening sanctions against this shadow fleet as part of their broader campaign against Russian energy exports. Currently estimated at around 800 tankers are reportedly engaged in transporting Russian oil contrary to G7 price caps on crude exports—a situation prompting ongoing international scrutiny and action.