The Swedish Coast Guard boarded a Russian “shadow fleet” vessel using helicopters and speedboats in the Baltic Sea. The bulk carrier Caffa currently flies the Guinean flag but remains on Ukraine’s sanctions list. Authorities conducted the operation in Swedish territorial waters south of Trelleborg due to suspicions of maritime law violations.
Sweden Herald reported that the national task force gained control of the grain-carrying bulk carrier. The ship recently departed from Casablanca and officially listed Saint Petersburg as its destination. Currently, Swedish authorities are searching the vessel, questioning the crew, and verifying technical documentation. Coast Guard spokesperson Mattias Lindholm confirmed that officials are investigating the ship’s legal status and safety compliance.
Violation of maritime standards
Swedish officials suspect the vessel is operating under a false flag, making it effectively stateless. Minister of Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin highlighted the significant environmental and security risks posed by such unregulated ships.
“The ship is on Ukraine’s sanctions list, the ownership structure is unclear, and there is a suspicion that insurance is missing. As recently as this summer, the ship is said to have changed from Russian to Guinean flag,” stated Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
The preliminary investigation focuses on whether the Caffa meets international technical standards for navigation. Lack of valid insurance and opaque ownership are typical characteristics of the “shadow fleet” used by Russia to bypass global sanctions. The crew has remained cooperative during the searches, allowing the investigation to proceed smoothly at sea.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the Belgian Armed Forces boarded an oil tanker belonging to the Russian shadow fleet. This operation reflects a broader effort by European nations to enforce maritime restrictions following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
