The Finnish police have resumed their underwater investigation into the damaged Estlink 2 undersea power cable on New Year’s Eve, following a temporary halt due to adverse weather conditions. Seven crew members of the oil tanker Eagle S are now officially suspected of crimes related to the incident and have been issued travel bans. The investigation is ongoing, and the number of individuals subject to travel restrictions may change as the police gather more evidence. The Cook Islands-flagged tanker, suspected of being part of the Russian shadow fleet, was boarded by Finnish authorities on Boxing Day and subsequently towed to a secure anchorage in Porvoo, east of Helsinki.
The incident revolves around damage to the Estlink 2 undersea power cable, which supplies electricity between Finland and Estonia. The cable, 170 km long with 145 km running under the sea, has an average transmission capacity of 650 megawatts. The damage primarily affects Estonia’s electricity supply, while the other undersea cable connecting the two countries, Estlink 1, remains operational. Repairs to Estlink 2 are estimated to take several months. The Finnish police have released images showing fresh paint scratches and impact marks on the hull of the Eagle S, suggesting contact with the seabed.
Initial underwater investigations revealed significant damage to the Eagle S’s hull, consistent with the tanker’s anchor dragging along the seabed for several kilometers. A seabed track spanning tens of kilometers corresponds with the vessel’s movements. Crucially, data indicates that the Eagle S maintained a consistent speed of seven to eight knots while traversing the area where the cable was damaged. This persistent speed, coupled with the anchor dragging, strongly suggests the tanker was aware of the seabed contact but failed to take appropriate action. The police are meticulously investigating this track, along with conducting interviews with the crew and examining the vessel itself, in collaboration with other agencies. This multifaceted approach aims to establish a definitive link between the Eagle S’s movements and the cable damage.
The suspicion that the Eagle S is part of the ”Russian shadow fleet” adds a geopolitical dimension to the incident. This term refers to a collection of tankers, often older and less regulated, operating outside of standard shipping practices and sometimes used to circumvent sanctions or engage in illicit activities. The investigation’s findings could have implications beyond the immediate damage to the power cable, potentially shedding light on the operations of this shadow fleet and its potential impact on regional security. The Finnish police’s thorough investigation, including underwater surveys and detailed analysis of the vessel’s movements, seeks to uncover the full extent of the Eagle S’s involvement and determine the appropriate legal consequences.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure. The Estlink 2 cable plays a crucial role in the energy security of both Finland and Estonia, and its damage underscores the potential disruption that can result from accidents or deliberate acts affecting these vital connections. The lengthy repair time further emphasizes the need for robust protection and redundancy in such systems. The incident also raises questions about the monitoring and regulation of shipping activities, particularly those of vessels operating in the ”shadow fleet.” Increased scrutiny and enforcement may be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The ongoing investigation promises to reveal further details about the circumstances leading to the cable damage. The travel bans imposed on the Eagle S crew members indicate the seriousness of the allegations against them, and the continued examination of the vessel, the seabed track, and witness testimony will likely provide a more complete picture of the events. The outcome of the investigation could have significant legal and political ramifications, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the broader discussion surrounding maritime safety, energy security, and the activities of the Russian shadow fleet. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of critical infrastructure and the potential consequences of its disruption.
