Estonia Proposes Fee For Shipping In Baltic Sea

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The possibility of charging shipping firms a fee for using the Baltic Sea is being considered to fund the increased costs of protecting critical undersea cables. This proposal comes from Estonia’s defense minister in response to the recent rise in incidents targeting these vital cables, reports Reuters. 

Increased Patrols

NATO announced plans to deploy frigates, patrol aircraft, and drones in the Baltic Sea following a series of incidents where ships damaged power and communication cables with their anchors. These incidents are suspected to be acts of sabotage.

In addition to increased patrols, Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur mentioned that countries are considering other protective measures, such as installing sensors to detect anchors dragging across the seafloor or constructing casings or walls around the cables.

However, these protective measures will come at a cost. Regardless of whether countries or cable operators bear the expense, the ultimate burden may fall on consumers through higher taxes or utility costs.

Growing Tensions 

Swedish authorities seized a Maltese-flagged ship on Monday as part of an investigation into damage to an undersea cable connecting Latvia and Sweden. This incident follows a series of similar events in the Baltic Sea, raising concerns about potential sabotage.

Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur suggested a link between these incidents and the “shadow fleet” of Russian ships. He emphasized the need for increased security measures, including deploying NATO forces and implementing protective measures for undersea cables.

Russia has denied any involvement in these incidents, dismissing Western accusations as “evidence-free.”

These events highlight the growing geopolitical tensions in the region and the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure.

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Source: Reuters