Denmark has tightened its maritime inspection regime to counter the growing presence of the so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of aging oil tankers believed to be transporting Russian crude outside Western sanctions.
The Danish government said it will expand onboard safety and environmental checks for vessels passing through its territorial waters or anchoring near Skagen Red, a key maritime chokepoint at the northern tip of Denmark. The new measures focus on verifying waste management, ballast water, emissions compliance, and fuel quality, while ensuring ships are properly certified and fit for operation.
Authorities clarified that vessels at anchor, not just those transiting, will now face inspection if there is reason to believe they are not on a peaceful voyage. “These old and poorly maintained tankers pose both environmental and security risks,” said Magnus Heunicke, Denmark’s Minister for the Environment, calling the move essential to protect marine ecosystems.
Industry Minister Morten Bødskov added that the initiative is part of Denmark’s broader strategy to undermine the financing of Russia’s ongoing war effort. “We must stop Putin’s war machine,” he said, labeling many of the vessels as “dangerous floating risks.”
The policy follows a series of drone sightings in Danish airspace, which authorities suspect may be linked to ships operating under opaque ownership structures. Intelligence gathered through the new inspections could be shared with international partners to strengthen sanctions enforcement.
One vessel, the Boracay, seized recently by French authorities, has become emblematic of this growing concern, as it is suspected of involvement in suspicious offshore activities near Denmark’s coast.
