Estonian formin: Deterrence against Russia's shadow fleet working

TALLINN - The detention of the shadow fleet tanker Kiwala by the Estonian Navy in the Gulf of Finland on Friday morning proves that coordinated action by countries bordering the Baltic Sea and North Sea against Russia's shadow fleet is working and helps protect both the environment and maritime safety, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

Tsahkna said this is the first shadow fleet vessel detained by Estonia and commended the Estonian defense forces.

"We are acting in a coordinated and targeted manner in the name of our security and environment, and we will exercise our right to inspect vessels crossing Estonia's exclusive economic zone whenever there is reason for suspicion," he added.

The Estonian Navy detained the oil tanker Kiwala in the Gulf of Finland early Friday morning while it was en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga. The purpose of the detention was to check the vessel's documents and legal status. During a routine inspection, there was reason to suspect the ship lacked both a flag state and valid insurance. The vessel is also subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland.

Estonia was the first country to start inspecting Russia’s shadow fleet vessels in June 2024 and has since requested insurance documents from nearly 500 ships.