Finland: Eagle's fixed deficiencies found in port state control

Finland: Eagle's fixed deficiencies found in port state control

Finland's maritime authorities have detained the tanker Eagle S following a port state control inspection that uncovered numerous safety deficiencies [1]. The vessel, identified as part of Russia's evasive shadow fleet, is under suspicion for damaging the Estlink2 undersea cable on Christmas Day.

During the inspection, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) inspectors identified 32 deficiencies onboard the Eagle S [1]. Three of these deficiencies were severe enough to warrant the ship's detention. Critical areas of concern included fire safety systems, navigation equipment, and pump room ventilation.

The detention comes after authorities recovered an anchor from the Gulf of Finland, suspected to belong to the Russian tanker [1]. Officials suspect the ship may have intentionally dragged its anchor over the Estlink2 cable in an act of sabotage. The investigation into the incident is being led by the Helsinki Police Department, with Finland's National Bureau of Investigation conducting the criminal investigation.

Beyond immediate safety concerns, inspectors noted significant shortcomings in the vessel's safety management system implementation [1]. This issue has been identified in earlier inspections. Additional deficiencies were found in crew accommodation, electrical installation safety, and general maintenance.

Russia's shadow fleet, estimated to number in the hundreds, has been using aging ships to circumvent the G7 price cap on Russian oil [1]. These vessels typically operate under questionable flags and ownership structures while lacking industry-standard insurance. The incident adds to a growing pattern of suspicious damage to underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea since 2022 [1].

In response, Baltic nations have heightened their alert status, and NATO has announced plans to increase its regional presence [1].

[1] https://gcaptain.com/finnish-authorities-find-alarming-safety-deficiencies-on-russian-tanker-suspected-cable-damage/