Germany Rescues Russian Tanker in Baltic Sea Amid Rising Tensions Over “Ghost Fleet”
In a dramatic operation, Germany has come to the rescue of a distressed Russian oil tanker in the Baltic Sea, highlighting the growing risks associated with Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to circumvent international sanctions. The tanker, sailing under the Panamanian flag, was towed to safety on Saturday after suffering an engine failure, raising concerns about a potential environmental disaster in the region.The 274-meter-long vessel, carrying 99,000 tonnes of oil, drifted helplessly in the Baltic Sea after a power cut left it “at low speed, unable to maneuver,” according to the german maritime command. The incident occurred during a storm, with winds reaching up to 7 Beaufort and waves as high as 4 meters, significantly slowing the towing process. The tanker is now being transported to the harbor of Sassnitz, located on the southern tip of Germany’s Rügen peninsula, where it is indeed expected to arrive by Sunday at the earliest.
German authorities have emphasized the urgency of the operation, aiming to prevent an oil spill that could devastate the Baltic Sea’s fragile ecosystem. Assistance boats were dispatched to establish a connection with the ship, while a German police helicopter airlifted four experts aboard to provide the 24 crew members with radios and flashlights, as the vessel remained without electricity.
The tanker’s distress has reignited concerns about Russia’s reliance on aging and poorly maintained vessels to export its oil despite Western sanctions. According to Greenpeace, the ship had previously been flagged for “particularly hazardous” oil transport and “technical defects,” earning it a spot on the NGO’s list of the “192 most dangerous tankers.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena baerbock condemned Russia’s use of such vessels, accusing Moscow of “endangering European security not only with its war of aggression against Ukraine but also with dilapidated oil tankers.” Her remarks underscore the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s shadow fleet, which has grown significantly since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The incident comes as the United States and the United Kingdom announced new sanctions targeting nearly 200 oil and LNG tankers operating from Russia, part of a broader effort to curb Moscow’s energy exports. The European Union has already sanctioned nearly 80 ships linked to the shadow fleet, reflecting growing international concern over the risks posed by these vessels.
Key Details of the Rescue Operation
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Tanker Size | 274 meters long, carrying 99,000 tonnes of oil |
| Flag | Panama |
| Destination | Port Said, Egypt |
| Rescue Location | Baltic Sea, near Rügen peninsula |
| Weather Conditions | Winds up to 7 Beaufort, waves up to 4 meters |
| Crew | 24 members, provided with radios and flashlights |
| Expected Arrival | Sassnitz harbor by Sunday |
The rescue operation highlights the precarious state of Russia’s shadow fleet, which has become a focal point of international scrutiny. As Germany works to avert an environmental catastrophe,the incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader risks posed by Moscow’s efforts to bypass sanctions and maintain its oil exports.
For more insights into the growing risks of Russia’s shadow fleet, explore this detailed analysis on the challenges facing global maritime security.
