Damaged cable

Russian “shadow fleet” under suspicion

Finnish chief investigator Jari Liukku informs the public about the findings to date on the damaged undersea power cable.(Bild: APA/AFP/Lehtikuva/Jussi Nukari)

Following damage to an undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia, Finnish authorities have detained an oil tanker. The ship is sailing under the flag of the Cook Islands. However, it is now associated with the Russian "shadow fleet".

These are transporters that Russia is said to be using unofficially to deliver its oil to other countries in order to circumvent sanctions. Finland's President Alexander Stubb announced on Platform X that he had been informed about the case by the police. The risks posed by ships from the Russian "shadow fleet" must be prevented, he said.

On Wednesday, the EstLink2 power connection to Estonia was interrupted. They had taken command of the ship, the Finnish authorities announced. According to them, there are also problems with several communication cables. This has no impact on consumers. This was announced by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Estonia. Reports spread on social media that a Chinese freighter had passed through the area at the same time as the problems with the power cable began (see post above).

Repair will probably take months
According to the investigators, the damage to the cable could have been caused by an anchor. The repair will take several months, according to the Finnish operator Fingrid. The power supply in Finland is nevertheless stable, but the situation could deteriorate if there is less wind, for example.