Swedish authorities boarded a sanctioned oil tanker believed to be linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Baltic Sea, citing safety risks and suspected violations of maritime rules.
The Swedish Coast Guard said it boarded the 228-meter tanker Sea Owl I at about 20:30 on 12 March in Swedish territorial waters off Trelleborg in the Baltic Sea. The operation was carried out with support from the Swedish Police.
The vessel is on the sanctions list of the European Union and is suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet – a network of tankers used to move Russian oil despite Western restrictions imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A vessel without a real flag state
Authorities said the ship was flying the flag of Comoros but may not actually be registered there. If confirmed, this would mean the tanker is sailing under a false flag, leaving no recognized flag state responsible for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
“Our overall assessment is that the risk of safety deficiencies on board is high,” said Daniel Stenling, deputy chief of operations at the Swedish Coast Guard. “On this basis, the vessel cannot be allowed innocent passage. The threats to maritime safety and the environment are too high.”
The boarding took place in Swedish territorial waters as coast guard personnel began searching the ship and interviewing crew members. Prosecutors are leading a preliminary investigation focused on suspected lack of seaworthiness, with the possibility of additional authorities joining the probe depending on the findings.
According to Swedish officials, the tanker was traveling from Santos, Brazil toward Primorsk, Russia. The vessel was reportedly sailing without cargo.
Second shadow fleet stop near Trelleborg in eight days
The intervention follows another recent operation near Trelleborg. On 6 March, the Swedish Coast Guard took control of the vessel Caffa, which was later banned from operating by the Swedish Transport Agency. The captain is suspected of several violations, including the use of a false document.
Russia’s shadow fleet consists largely of aging tankers owned through shell companies and often registered under “flags of convenience.” Maritime authorities say the poorly regulated vessels raise concerns about safety and environmental risks, particularly in busy waterways such as the Baltic Sea.
