Gas tanker 'Mulan' sparks concern in strategic Nordic waters
The Norwegian Coast Guard is monitoring the unusual movements of the gas tanker Mulan, which is registered in Panama. The vessel is circling over the area where cables and gas pipelines connect Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
The gas tanker 'Mulan', registered in Panama, has attracted the interest of the Norwegian Coast Guard for several days.
The ship, which according to official data is sailing from Ura Bay on Russia's Kola Peninsula to Egypt, has not left the North Sea and the Skagerrak Strait since December 26. The captain initially explained that he was waiting for better weather.
However, since that time, according to satellite data, 'Mulan' has been zigzagging over the area where cables and gas pipelines connecting Norway, the United Kingdom, and Denmark are located.
The Norwegian Coast Guard increases vigilance
On Saturday, the ship was spotted again near Stavanger. "In the North Sea, there are many pipelines, as well as energy and fiber-optic connections. We have increased vigilance regarding ship activities, sharing our data with the Norwegian Armed Forces, police, and other relevant services," Arve Dimmen of the Norwegian Border Guard told the Dagbladet newspaper.
'Mulan' remains outside Norwegian territorial waters but is constantly monitored by border guards. The operational command of the Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed that navy ships and aircraft will monitor the suspicious vessel until it moves a significant distance from the Norwegian coast.
The ship's behavior is concerning, especially given the strategic importance of the underwater infrastructure in this region. Norwegian services remain ready to respond to any potential threats.
