Denmark tightens checks on oil tankers to halt Russian shadow fleet

Denmark is stepping up monitoring of oil tankers passing through its waters amid European efforts to counter Russia's shadow fleet, which helps the Kremlin circumvent sanctions.

The Danish government statement said that Denmark will pay particular attention to older vessels, often used by the shadow fleet, which pose environmental risks due to their poor condition.

Magnus Heunicke, Denmark's Minister for the Environment, noted that a significant number of ageing tankers pass through Danish territorial waters.

He added that the country is strengthening enforcement of basic environmental standards to more effectively and consistently tackle both the tankers and Russia's shadow fleet.

Meanwhile, Denmark's Minister for Industry, Morten Bodskov, emphasised the need to halt Vladimir Putin's war machine. He said that all available measures are being used and that Danish authorities are increasing oversight to protect Denmark and its waters.

The Danish Maritime Authority, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, will conduct more environmental inspections of ships to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These measures are intended to guarantee that vessels adhere to environmental standards.

By the end of the year, Denmark will also implement measurements of sulphur content in ship fuel.

The Danish government noted that information collected through these measures could be used in international cooperation against the shadow fleet, including compiling a list of specific vessels subject to sanctions.

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron said that European states would start preventing Russian shadow fleet vessels from entering their waters.

Estonia also stated that the shadow fleet's activities in the Baltic Sea are becoming increasingly dangerous, and restricting them would significantly enhance regional security.