STOCKHOLM — Maritime officials in Sweden have launched an investigation into a freight vessel navigating Baltic Sea waters that they suspect operates without proper national registration.
The cargo ship Caffa was traveling through Sweden’s territorial waters on Friday displaying a flag from Guinea when the vessel caught the attention of law enforcement, according to a police statement.
Coast Guard personnel climbed aboard the ship to conduct a thorough search and question crew members. Officials expressed safety concerns regarding the vessel’s condition and ability to operate safely at sea.
Additional information about the Caffa remains limited at this time.
In recent months, Sweden has announced plans to enhance insurance verification procedures for international vessels as part of efforts to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet” operations involving older ships. Moscow employs this unofficial maritime network to move oil and natural gas products, as well as transport grain taken from Ukraine. These vessels typically average about 18 years in age, placing them near retirement and increasing accident risks, particularly when maintenance is inadequate.
Stockholm’s government directed the Coast Guard and Swedish Maritime Administration last year to gather insurance documentation from ships not only docking at Swedish harbors, but also those traveling through the nation’s territorial boundaries and exclusive economic waters.
Officials have not indicated whether they suspect the Caffa operates as part of this shadow fleet network.
