Sweden will worry about strengthening insurance inspections of foreign ships when Russia rises
STOCKHOLM (AP) – Sweden said on Saturday it would strengthen insurance checks for foreign ships in a bid to strengthen control over Russia's so-called “shadow fleet” of aging ships.
The Stockholm government said that starting from July 1, the Coast Guard and the Swedish maritime government will collect insurance information not only from ships summoned by Swedish ports, but also from the country's territory and exclusive economic zones.
“This emphasizes Sweden's apparent presence in the Baltic Sea, which is itself a deterrent,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement. “It also provides Sweden and our allies with important information about ships that can serve as the basis for sanctions to list more ships in the shadow fleet.”
Russia uses its shadow fleet to transport oil and gas, or carry stolen Ukrainian grains. Now, nearly 350 ships have been used in sanctions packages, last May 20.
“We are seeing more and more problematic events in the Baltic Sea, which requires not only to hope for the best events, but also to plan for the worst.”
The average age of the vessel is about 18 years, which means their lifespan is about to end and it is more prone to accidents, especially without good maintenance.
