What is really happening in Danish waters? “They make sure no one does something Putin doesn't allow.” Here are the mechanics of the “shadow fleet” [ŚLEDZTWO]

Skinnerup is, of course, talking about the Russian “shadow fleet” that has been passing through Denmark with sanctioned Russian oil every day since the invasion of Ukraine.

One of the responsibilities of pilots is drawing attention to irregularitiesii reporting them to the authorities when taking vessels through Danish waters. In practice, this is the only source of information that gives Denmark any idea what is really happening on board these ships.

The Navy, together with NATO allies, is trying to collect information about the “shadow fleet” as part of Operation Baltic Sentry, but only the pilots have actual insight into the situation on board.

That's why, as Skinnerup explains, uniformed men appear on ships extremely disturbing signal.

Many of my colleagues began seeing men wearing Russian Navy camouflage uniforms on these ships

– he says.

— It can be frightening. They stand and watch us. If they were in plain clothes, people might not even notice. But I guess that's the point – to make them visible. We are not the only ones who have to see them. The crew too. They make sure that no one dares to do something that Russia does not allow – says Skinnerup.

Eagle S tanker of the Russian shadow fleet that could have been used to damage undersea cables in the Baltic Sea in late 2024 (illustrative image)Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva Oy/East News / East News

Ministers are silent

Danwatch managed to obtain photos confirming the presence of uniformed men, as well as internal emails from DanPilot that confirm Skinnerup's account.

DanPilot does not confirm or deny reports of men in uniforms, although an internal emails with reports of mysterious men. However, he assures that pilots “of course” fulfill their obligation to report “obvious irregularities”.

“We are monitoring the matter closely, but we have no indication of problematic interactions between our employees and ship crews,” DanPilot reports.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen refused to take a position on this matter and did not want to answer the question whether he planned to raise the issue of uniformed officers on civilian ships in talks with European allies. The ministry sent the media to the Ministry of Social Security and Civil Defense, but no one wanted to speak there either.

Documents 'literally evaporated'

Unlike previous years, when cooperation on ships was usually good, today it is Pilots are often “set aside” and escorted straight to the captain's bridge.

According to Skinnerup, it sounds as if the crews really didn't want the pilots to see too much. There is a “poor atmosphere” on the bridge, and there is an aura of mystery around it.

They usually showed us the documents to make sure the ship had owners and insurers to contact in the event of an accident. Now all these papers have literally evaporated

– says.

The “shadow fleet” is known for using fictitious companies as owners, often lacking insurance, and in the worst cases using false government documents. In practice this means that almost none of the information about the ship is true — which may make it impossible to hold anyone accountable in the event of a disaster, espionage or other incidents.

As part of Operation Baltic Sentry, Danish authorities stop ships and ask to see insurance documents. However, there is evidence that officers have been misled many times before.

Pilots, however, had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with physical documents and, on this basis, could report serious irregularities. However, Skinnerup says, this is usually not possible with “shadow fleet” ships.

In many cases, the Asian crew includes one Russian who officially serves as second officer, but in fact, he rules everything.

It reminds me of Cold War officers on Soviet ships. I think their role is similar – to keep an eye on the crew and keep everyone short

– says.

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A warning cry ignored by the authorities

Although the gravity of the situation is currently beyond Skinnerup's imagination, it is not the result of pure fantasy. Just weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, an experienced sailor began to notice that Older and more suspicious ships began to pass through Denmark.

From the very beginning he wondered who they belonged to and began to pay attention to the flags they flew under. — These old vessels were operated carelessly: they were in poor technical condition and with a suspiciously deep draft, which increases the risk of grounding.

The problem grew from month to month until it became clear that Russia had created a complex system of fronts – ghost companies and fake entities – through which its tankers could freely circumvent the sanctions.

While authorities only took up the problem seriously in December 2024, pilots like Skinnerup have long warned that the situation is heading in a very dangerous direction.

— We tried to warn the government for years, but no one listened to us. And I feel like they're still not doing everything they can.

The NATO units that sail in the Baltic Sea do not particularly bother the Russians

– says.

Bjarne Caesar Skinnerup believes that the government of Denmark and other European countries must realize the seriousness of the situationi. Demands specific and more decisive action against ships which, in his opinion, often violate international law without suffering any consequences.