Latvian Company Accused of Fueling Controversial Russian Fleet

The Latvian company has been implicated in supplying fuel (bunkering) to a Russian "shadow fleet." This fleet comprises aging and often uninsured vessels, a revelation brought to light on Tuesday by SVT television. The fueling operations are conducted through a Cypriot tanker moored off the coast of Gotland in the Baltic Sea.

According to the Swedish public broadcaster, over the past two months, Fast Bunkering has carried out 56 refueling operations for ships from the Cypriot tanker M/S Zircone, positioned to the east of Slite on Gotland. In 52 instances, the refueling was for vessels en route to or from Russia, including tankers exporting Russian oil.

These ships represent a ticking ecological time bomb. Pinning responsibility on someone would be challenging in the event of a leakage. "It would be catastrophic for the Baltic Sea ecosystem," notes energy expert Henrik Wachtmeister of the University of Uppsala.

Following SVT's reports, the Swedish authorities commenced an investigation, but the Coast Guard has since abandoned the investigation. Latvia was not subsequently solicited for legal support, leaving the firm facing, at most, a fine. Later, Fast Bunkering sought permission from the Swedish Transport Agency for sea bunkering, which met no objections as the tanker's operation plan, certifications, and the captain's qualifications were deemed adequate.

In response to inquiries from Swedish television, Fast Bunkering's CEO Alexey Volkov explained that the choice of waters near Gotland was driven by client demand for supplies. Regarding concerns over environmental risks, he affirmed the company's possession of the requisite licenses and adherence to established procedures. Regarding the accusation of aiding Russian commercial shipping, he clarified that "EU sanctions allow for some exporting of Russian oil."

Experts estimate the "shadow fleet," involved in circumventing sanctions to transport Russian oil, comprises about 600 vessels, representing roughly 10% of the global tally of large tankers.