Image:Bloomberg
In a recent development, Finland is asserting its right to conduct an investigation into the NewNew Polar Bear, a Hong Kong-flagged vessel implicated in damaging a subsea gas pipeline near Finnish waters back in October. President Sauli Niinisto emphasized Finland’s demand to have its investigators on board the vessel to determine whether the anchor damage was intentional or a result of poor seamanship.
The incident, involving the 77-kilometer Balticconnector gas pipeline linking Finland and Estonia, prompted concerns about the vessel’s actions. The NewNew Polar Bear, owned by Hainan Xin Xin Yang Shipping and beneficially owned by Ledoco International Logistics, is currently en route to Tianjin, China, after navigating through Russia’s Arctic waters.
The vessel’s journey has raised questions, with Finnish authorities discovering extensive drag marks on the seabed, up to 4 meters wide, indicating the possible path of the damaged pipeline. The breach, which occurred on October 8, has triggered environmental and security concerns in the region. Notably, the damaged pipeline has shifted eastward on the seafloor, affecting not only the gas supply between Finland and Estonia but also damaging data cables, including one belonging to Russia.
President Niinisto highlighted the importance of Finnish investigators being involved in the examination process. The vessel’s captain is expected to be questioned once the NewNew Polar Bear arrives in China. The hope is that this inquiry will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The implications of the incident extend beyond environmental concerns, as it has prompted NATO to enhance its presence in the Baltic Sea. Increased patrols, along with the deployment of aircraft and minehunters, signify the alliance’s commitment to safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure. Additionally, the Joint Expeditionary Force, consisting of 10 northern European nations, has agreed to deploy vessels and planes to bolster security across the region.
The vessel’s trajectory, sailing over the damaged pipeline on its way to St. Petersburg and subsequently departing from the Russian city, adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. The vessel’s exclusive port calls to Russian ports during September and October, as revealed by Bloomberg data, raise questions about its activities in the region.
As Finnish authorities await the arrival of the NewNew Polar Bear in China for further investigation, the incident underscores the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure and the need for international cooperation in safeguarding maritime routes and preventing environmental disasters. The situation will undoubtedly prompt a thorough examination of maritime regulations and the enforcement of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source:Bloomberg
