Since 1 July 2025, German authorities have been questioning passing tankers about their insurance cover against oil pollution damage in an effort to tackle the shadow fleet.
As announced by the German Foreign Ministry, the measure is one of a range of European efforts to push back the Russian shadow fleet as well as to improve the safety of maritime transport and the protection of the marine environment. Furthermore, Sweden also joined Germany in launching the questioning policy on 1 July.
According to the new rules, the ships concerned are those travelling eastwards through the Fehmarn Belt. Often, little is known about the insurance cover these vessels have, as they steer clear of reputable insurance companies and European ports.
We need to increase our vigilance in the Baltic Sea with regard to the shadow fleet. Ascertaining the insurance status through the transport control centres helps us fill another gap in our view of the situation. The more complete the picture, the sooner we can cooperate with our partner countries in the Baltic Sea region to take appropriate measures, perhaps even leading to inclusion on the list of sanctioned vessels.
…said Patrick Schnieder, Federal Transport Minister.
The documents requested by the transport control centres will be examined by the Ship Safety Division. Anomalies in the documentation may lead to Europe-wide observation, measures imposed by the flag state and – if additional criteria are met – the inclusion of the ships on the list of sanctioned vessels.
The new questioning policy will help further intensify the coordination with our friends and partners in the region. Our objective is quite clear: to increase the pressure on the Russian shadow fleet and protect the Baltic Sea habitat.
…said Johann Wadephul Federal Foreign Minister.
