Greenpeace: Putin's Shadow Fleet Threatens the Baltic - in the End, Taxpayers will Pay

The environmental organisation warns of massive risks for the environment and the tourism industry

"The Russian fleet must not be allowed to become a threat to the Baltic Sea!"

The environmental organization Greenpeace is warning of the massive risks posed by the Russian "shadow fleet" to the Baltic Sea. "The Russian fleet must not be allowed to become a threat to the Baltic Sea!" said Greenpeace ocean expert Thilo Maack. "The German government must take action to protect the Baltic Sea and the tourism industry," he added.

The term "shadow fleet" refers to ships that have been transferred to companies in third countries or have been flagged under the flag of convenience of another country in order to circumvent sanctions. In the case of the Russian fleet, this is often done through companies in Cyprus or Turkey.

According to Greenpeace, there are currently around 60 ships in the Russian "shadow fleet" that are sailing under a foreign flag. Many of these ships are old and poorly maintained, posing a significant risk to the environment and the tourism industry. "These ships often have insufficient safety equipment and are not properly insured," said Maack. "In the event of an accident, the costs would be borne by the taxpayers."

Greenpeace is calling on the German government to take action against the Russian "shadow fleet". "The German government must work with its European partners to close loopholes that allow Russian ships to circumvent sanctions," said Maack. "We also need to strengthen controls on ships entering the Baltic Sea," he added.

The Baltic Sea is a sensitive ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine life. The tourism industry is also an important economic factor for the Baltic Sea countries. "We cannot allow the Russian 'shadow fleet' to threaten the Baltic Sea and the livelihoods of people who depend on it," said Maack.