Finland Moves to Seize Tanker Over Baltic Cable Damage Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Alleged Cause of Cable Damage

The Estlink 2 electricity interconnector and telecom cables between Finland and Estonia were damaged on December 25. Authorities suspect the damage was caused by the Eagle S oil tanker’s anchor dragging along the seabed. The tanker, which transports Russian oil, was boarded the following day for investigation.

Legal Actions and Financial Claims

Finland’s national power grid operator, Fingrid, has requested the Helsinki District Court to seize the Eagle S to secure its claims for damages. The company stated that further investigations at the site are needed to determine the full extent of the damage and plan the necessary repairs. The cable is expected to be back in service by August.

Regional Security Concerns

The incident comes amid heightened vigilance in the Baltic Sea following multiple disruptions to power cables, telecom links, and gas pipelines since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. NATO has announced plans to increase its presence in the region to address infrastructure security risks.

Ownership and Sanctions Allegations

The Eagle S is owned by UAE-based Caravella LLC FZ. Finnish customs suspect the ship is part of a “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil. The ship’s cargo has been impounded, although it remains onboard. The owner has previously requested the ship’s release but has not commented on the latest developments.