Facing the growing threat posed by the “shadow fleet” to maritime safety and the ecological environment, Germany is collaborating with Sweden and other EU member states to strengthen the monitoring of suspicious vessels entering and exiting the Baltic Sea. Starting July 1, Germany officially launched an insurance inquiry mechanism targeting transiting oil tankers, focusing on verifying whether ships have valid pollution insurance to further identify non-compliant vessels and improve risk detection systems.
According to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, this measure aims to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination with allies in the Baltic region. “Our goal is very clear: to increase pressure on Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ and protect the Baltic Sea ecosystem.”
The focal area for the new measures is near Fehmarn Island in northern Germany, a critical shipping route in the Baltic Sea, located just 12 nautical miles from Sweden. German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder stated that the insurance inquiry mechanism will help further refine the “comprehensive situational awareness” of vessel movements in the region. “The clearer the situation, the faster we can coordinate responses with neighboring countries, including adding non-compliant ships to sanctions lists.”
Although Germany has not yet followed Finland and Estonia in conducting direct boarding inspections of suspicious vessels, it has made clear that if irregularities are detected during inquiries, it could trigger heightened EU-level monitoring, flag state investigations, or even serve as grounds for subsequent sanctions.
This is not the first time Germany has taken a tough stance against the “shadow fleet.” As early as the beginning of 2025, Germany seized the Panama-flagged oil tanker “Eventin,” with a deadweight tonnage of 152,000, in the Baltic Sea. Germany identified it as a “shadow vessel” violating shipping regulations and subsequently detained the ship and its cargo. The case is still under review.
Meanwhile, Sweden also announced at the end of May that it would increase maritime surveillance of the “shadow fleet.” Denmark recently tracked and recorded deceptive navigation by a suspicious oil tanker in the Baltic Sea but ultimately did not seize it, citing the complexity of legal enforcement.
Against this backdrop, Russia has frequently lodged strong protests against the regulatory measures. In a United Nations statement, Russia described the actions of the EU and Baltic states as “maritime plunder” and reiterated the need to safeguard “freedom of navigation.”
Despite Russia’s continued objections, the EU and the UK are escalating their crackdown on the “shadow fleet,” with sanctions expanding in scope. Australia has also joined the effort, recently announcing its first round of related sanctions.
Market estimates suggest that at least 800 oil tankers worldwide are currently involved in transporting Russian crude.
