Denmark is increasing its monitoring and inspections of oil tankers in its waters as part of broader European efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet.
Danish authorities impose strict inspections
According to international news sources, the Danish government is focusing particularly on older vessels, which are commonly used by the shadow fleet and pose environmental risks due to their poor condition. Magnus Heunicke, Denmark’s Minister for the Environment, highlighted that many aging tankers traverse Danish waters, and the country is stepping up enforcement of basic environmental standards to address both safety and regulatory concerns more consistently.
Furthermore, the Danish Maritime Authority, together with the Environmental Protection Agency, will conduct more inspections and implement measurements of sulphur content in ship fuel by year’s end. The information gathered through these efforts may also support international cooperation, helping to identify specific vessels for potential sanctions and contribute to broader efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet.
Shadow tanker Bocaray stirring the pot
The issue of shadow fleet vessels has been puzzling the EU for years but a recent incident has shed further light and raised further questions. Denmark’s response comes a few days after the suspected shadow tanker Boracay was off the coast of Denmark when unidentified drones forced the temporary closure of several airports in late September. The vessel is currently listed under both British and European Union sanctions targeting Russia’s oil trade. Moreover, it was previously detained by Estonian authorities earlier this year for sailing without a valid national flag.
On 30 September, the French Navy confirmed that an investigation had been opened following the crew’s failure to provide documentation proving the vessel’s nationality and their noncompliance with official orders. As reported by Reuters, the ship began moving southwest through the Bay of Biscay on 3 October though it remains unclear why it was allowed to leave.
EU expected to follow Denmark’s lead and discuss measures in the following days
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the recent French military boarding of the oil tanker Boracay, calling it “a good thing” that authorities were investigating a suspected infraction on the vessel. Speaking at the European Political Community (EPC) in Denmark on 2 October, Macron highlighted the broader issue, noting that Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” likely includes between 600 and 1,000 ships.
Furthermore, President Macron announced that Europeans will begin taking action against vessels in the shadow fleet when they enter their waters. Speaking to reporters after the seventh meeting of the EPC, he said Europeans “have now decided to take a step forward by implementing a policy of obstruction against suspicious ships in our waters.”
Macron also revealed that an upcoming meeting of chiefs of staff will focus on implementing these ‘obstruction policies’ against shadow fleet vessels. “Chiefs of staff, in coordination with NATO, as part of the Coalition of the Willing, will meet in the coming days to develop joint actions in the coming weeks to implement a policy of obstruction against the shadow fleet,” he added.
Source: safety4sea.com
