Denmark is taking decisive action to strengthen inspections of oil tankers navigating its waters, a crucial passage to and from the Baltic Sea. This initiative aims to address the increasing movements of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which has risen in prominence as Moscow adapts to international sanctions.
The Danish Environment Ministry announced on Monday that inspections will focus on older tankers, which pose greater environmental risks. There has been a notable uptick in the number of aging vessels joining the shadow fleet to transport Russian oil from Baltic ports. As Western nations restrict oil sales to Russia, Moscow has redirected its crude exports primarily to China and India. However, these transactions face limitations, as sales to third-party countries cannot utilize Western insurance or financing unless the oil is sold below a specified price cap.
In response to these developments, Denmark is ramping up its environmental inspections. The government expressed concern over the increasing activity of older ships, which are often less reliable and more prone to accidents. “We know there is a lot of traffic consisting of older ships passing through Danish waters, and they pose a particular risk to our marine environment,” stated Magnus Heunicke, Denmark’s Environment Minister. He emphasized the necessity of tightening controls to implement basic environmental standards effectively.
Morten Bødskov, Denmark’s Industry Minister, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader implications of the shadow fleet. “We must put an end to Putin’s war machine. This also applies to the Russian shadow fleet. We are using all tools,” he asserted.
Despite the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States blacklisting hundreds of vessels linked to the shadow fleet, Russia’s crude oil exports have not significantly declined. In fact, in September 2024, Russian crude oil exports by sea reportedly reached their highest levels since May of that year, indicating that the shadow fleet remains an effective means for Russia to circumvent sanctions.
Denmark’s proactive measures signal a commitment to safeguarding marine environments while addressing the complexities of international oil trade. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these inspections will be crucial in determining the impact on both environmental protection and Russia’s ongoing oil export strategies.
