Denmark Increases Inspections of Oil Tankers in Response to Growing Russian Shadow Fleet Threats

Denmark is ramping up inspections of oil tankers anchored off Skagen, aiming to ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations, environmental protection standards, and safeguards for seafarers, the Danish Maritime Authority reported on February 5.

Denmark will intensively check tankers due to the activity of old ships that transport oil through the Danish straits. The decision comes amid threats from Russia’s shadow fleet , which numbers more than 1000 vessels.

This move comes in response to heightened activity from older vessels transporting oil through the Danish Straits, raising concerns about maritime safety, environmental risks, and the well-being of crew members.

The Maritime Authority will conduct port state control inspections on ships that do not qualify as being in “innocent passage” and are anchored at Skagen Roads. These inspections are part of the agency’s broader strategy to promote high standards in international shipping, focusing on safety, health, and clean seas.

The inspections specifically target oil tankers, given the potentially catastrophic consequences of accidents or spills involving these vessels.

According to existing protocols for selecting ships for inspection, tankers are considered high-risk and are therefore prioritized for checks more frequently than other types of vessels.

Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree introducing new sanctions against Russia, targeting captains of the shadow fleet and those involved in the looting of Ukrainian cultural heritage.