In a decisive move to safeguard its marine environment and bolster maritime security, Denmark has intensified inspections of aging and potentially hazardous vessels—dubbed the “shadow fleet”—anchoring in its strategic waters. The initiative targets “old and worthless” ships, many of which are linked to Russian oil exports, and is part of a broader EU effort to regulate high-risk maritime traffic.
Read more about “Shadow fleet” in MaritimeHub.
Strategic Focus: Skagen Red Anchorage
The inspections will concentrate on Skagen Red, one of the busiest anchorages in Northern Europe. It is located at the northern tip of Denmark, where the North Sea meets the Baltic. Thousands of ships pass through this region annually, and many anchor temporarily, raising concerns about environmental compliance and safety.
Environmental and Safety Measures
The Danish Maritime Authority, in collaboration with the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, will conduct enhanced environmental inspections. These checks will include:
- Waste management protocols
- Scrapping certificates
- Ballast water management
- Scrubber water discharge
- Fuel compliance with IMO standards
Additionally, port state controls will be enforced, and vessels, especially those suspected of being part of the shadow fleet, may be required to provide proof of insurance.
Political and Strategic Implications
Denmark’s Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke emphasized the environmental risks posed by older vessels, stating:
“We know that there is a lot of traffic consisting of older ships sailing through Danish waters, and they pose a particular risk to our marine environment.”
Minister of Industry and Trade Morten Bødskov added:
“We must put an end to Putin’s war machine. This also applies to the Russian shadow fleet.”
The move aligns with France’s recent actions, including the detention of a suspected shadow fleet vessel operating under a false flag. Russia has condemned these inspections, labeling them as “piracy,” and has begun escorting tankers in the Gulf of Finland and Baltic Sea.
High-Tech Enforcement: Emission Sniffers
Denmark will also deploy “sniffer” technology on the Great Belt Bridge to monitor sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions, ensuring compliance with the IMO-designated Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations. This complements previous enforcement efforts using sniffer drones in collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
