The Russian "silent fleet" is causing more and more concerns in Copenhagen. Ships do not want to benefit from the support of Denmark's services during the crossing of the straits. Copenhagen reserves that it may close the straits allowing influence on the Baltic due to threats. Russia in this situation is threatening with retaliation.
The Russian "silent fleet", which is increasing rapidly, poses a serious threat to the seas. This group of ships whose owners are trying to conceal their identity by carrying oil to avoid sanctions imposed on Moscow is starting to pose a serious marine risk. According to the Financial Times reports, Russian ships regularly refuse to usage pilot services in Danish waters. This is simply a practice that not only breaks sea habits but can besides lead to catastrophic accidents.
Danger in hard Waters
An example of the container ship's collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the United States on March 26 shows the dangers posed by large ships traversing hard waters. Although the ship “Dali” was led by 2 pilots, it hit the bridge. Even if only a tiny proportion of ships quit piloting, akin disasters can become commonplace.
Yesterday marks a major milestone toward full reopening the Port of Baltimore by the end of May – the first large cargo ships traveling through the channel since the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed.
@POTUS will proceed to lead a whole-of-government approach to reopen the... pic.twitter.com/gLGg7Ckz5e
International rules and local guidelines
International maritime regulations powerfully urge the usage of pilots with local expertise for most ships passing the large Belt in Denmark, a narrow journey between the largest islands of the country. The large Belt is not only narrow, but besides full of dangerous waters and is highly busy: all year by the large Belt and close Sund (Oresund), which is located between the banks of Denmark and Sweden, flows about 70,000 ships.
Capabilities of Copenhagen
For the sake of order and maritime safety, Copenhagen could block ships refusing to usage the pilot. However, this could provoke a confrontation with Russia if Moscow admitted to being the protector of this "silent fleet".
Blocking ships that break the rules could in itself violate global maritime regulations. However, before taking specified steps, the open origin intelligence community could aid by revealing the identity and whereabouts of the owners of "silent ships".
Will the Russian "silent fleet" vanish from the Baltic waters? (FOTO: canva.com)Safety and environmental impacts
Ships of the ‘silent fleet’ are frequently old units that spend their last years transporting goods from and to countries subject to sanctions whose authoritative ships and their owners like to avoid. The risks posed by these and another dark ships to coastal states are increased by the fact that they float under the flags of countries that are improbable to come to the aid in the event of accidents or incidents (Gabon is peculiarly popular here) and do not undergo regular reviews. Any accidents, whether they're collisions or oil spills, are most likely double catastrophic.
Russia tries to shake a finger
In the context of discussions on the anticipation for Denmark to block ships that refuse to usage pilot services, a informing from Russia appeared. A spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of abroad Affairs, Maria Zacharova, stated on Friday that any action by Denmark to restrict the freedom of navigation of Russian ships in the Baltic straits would be perceived as hostile acts and would trigger retaliation. This declaration further complicates the situation, suggesting that attempts to enforce global piloting recommendations may lead to increased global tensions.
Geopolitical impacts
This position of Russia underlines the geopolitical tensions surrounding control of the Baltic Straits, which are key shipping routes not only for Russia but besides for global trade. In the light of these challenges, Denmark faces a hard choice between maintaining maritime safety and the hazard of escalation of the conflict with Russia.
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