New Oil Tanker Accident Near Rügen Following “Eventin” Catastrophe

New Oil Tanker Accident Near Rügen Following "Eventin" Catastrophe

Over the weekend, an incident involving the oil tanker ‘Jazz’ near the stranded ‘Eventin’ raised concerns of sabotage. The ‘Jazz’, carrying Russian crude oil, faced machinery failures multiple times, particularly near critical data cables. Experts speculate these issues could be tests of NATO’s response capabilities. Meanwhile, the ‘Eventin’ remains anchored off Sassnitz, prompting calls for detainment and inspection due to suspicions of espionage. Local authorities express reluctance to accept more tankers amid environmental concerns.

Another incident unfolded off the coast of Rügen over the weekend, coinciding with the accident involving the ‘Eventin’. This time, it involves a shadow fleet oil tanker, leading to suspicions of sabotage once again. The ‘Eventin’ remains anchored near Sassnitz, with shipping experts advocating for its detention.

Last weekend, authorities responded to alarming reports regarding the oil tanker ‘Jazz’, which has been loaded with 50,000 tons of Russian crude oil. This vessel, flagged under Panama, experienced an emergency situation close to the stranded ‘Eventin’ on Saturday, January 11, due to machinery failure that forced the captain to reduce speed.

Tanker ‘Jazz’: A Pattern of Suspicious Incidents

According to a report by the Danish portal ‘information.dk’, this isn’t the first time the ‘Jazz’ has encountered problems. Within a span of two weeks, the tanker has reported machinery issues three times, leading to either reduced speed or a complete halt. Notably, each incident has occurred near the C-Lion 1 data cable, which links Finland to Rostock.

The ‘Jazz’ navigated through the Nord-Ostsee Canal shortly after Christmas and reportedly was cut off by the Chinese freighter Yi Peng 3 in November, followed by another close call with the ‘Eagle S’, which was later detained by Finnish authorities. It has been identified that besides the C-Lion 1 cable, there are additional cables and pipelines totaling nine at these drifting locations.

With the presence of Russia’s shadow fleet, concerns regarding sanction evasion, espionage, and sabotage continue to pose significant challenges for Baltic Sea nations and NATO.

Drifting Near Strategic Infrastructure

The first of these incidents occurred on December 29 at 5:45 PM near Hanko, a southern Finnish port. At that moment, the ‘Jazz’ was moving at a mere 1.6 knots, with the C-Lion 1 cable and three other communication lines, as well as a high-voltage cable, situated beneath its hull.

After loading crude oil in Primorsk, Russia, the tanker halted again on January 9 off the Swedish island of Gotland. Just two days later, it drifted once more in the night, this time northeast of Rügen, near both the C-Lion 1 and the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline, which connects Norway and Poland.

Expert Analysis: Sabotage or Testing NATO’s Response?

Danish military analyst and frigate captain Jens Wenzel Kristoffersen speculates that these incidents could either be failed attempts at sabotage or tests aimed at gauging the readiness of NATO nations, as reported by ‘information.dk’.

In contrast to the ‘Eventin’, the crew of the ‘Jazz’ reported their ship was operational again after just a few hours. The ‘Jazz’ is now en route to Skagen, while the ‘Eventin’, carrying double the oil load, remains stationary.

The emergency tug ‘Baltic’ has since been reassigned from the ‘Eventin’ to assist the ‘Jazz’.

‘Eventin’ Stays Anchored Off Rügen

Currently, the ‘Eventin’ is still anchored off Sassnitz, surrounded by government vessels and private tugboats. The Waterways and Shipping Office Baltic Sea (WSA) indicated that the vessel was scheduled to be towed to Skagen on Sunday, but complications have hindered this process. Authorities have noted that such a total blackout situation has never been encountered before.

In response to the threats posed by sabotage and the Russian shadow fleet, NATO coastal states are coordinating a unified strategy.

The 274-meter-long tanker is entirely powerless. The reason for its inability to undergo repairs while anchored remains unclear, prompting a maritime expert to question why a vessel unable to move isn’t simply repaired in place.

Lack of Response from ‘Eventin’ Shipping Company

Stefan Grammann, head of the WSA, assures that the incapacitated tanker does not pose a danger. Its future, however, now rests with the shipowner. The shipping company, Wanta Shipping, is based in a skyscraper in Dubai, and attempts to reach them have only yielded automated responses. Emails to both the Latvian fleet manager and the Russian security officer have gone unanswered.

Call for Detainment and Inspection of the ‘Eventin’

Maritime security expert Moritz Brake from Nexmaris urges German authorities to detain the vessel. He emphasizes that suspicions of espionage and sabotage necessitate a thorough examination of the ‘Eventin’ for national security and environmental protection reasons.

Potential Seizure of Cargo by Customs

Brake notes that international law indicates the presence of sanctioned oil on board could violate national laws, especially regarding peaceful passage in territorial waters. Once German authorities gain access to the ship, they must address the cargo’s origin, destination, and purpose, which could lead to customs seizing its contents.

Skagen’s Reluctance for Additional Tankers

In Skagen, there is a clear aversion to welcoming another tanker. The port is already home to over a dozen vessels, many suspected of being part of the Russian shadow fleet, which dock to perform minor repairs or resupply. Local councilor Peter E. Nielsen expressed concerns about environmental risks, highlighting that the ‘Jazz’ and ‘Eventin’ together carry 150,000 tons of crude oil. He questions the implications of towing the ‘Eventin’ to Skagen.

Tracking the Movements of the Russian Shadow Fleet

With the oil aboard the ‘Eventin’ being embargoed, a special permit is necessary for its movement. The vessel remains anchored off Rügen due to machinery failure.

The ‘Yi Peng 3’ has raised red flags in relation to these events, further complicating the situation.