Russian shadow fleet ships sail Danish waters under drone protection

A Russian shadow fleet vessel have been equipped with protective drone nets while sailing through Danish waters, according to an investigation by Danish outlet Danwatch.

The nets were observed on the tanker Fenor as it passed through the Øresund on 28 August. The vessel was later selected for additional inspection after arriving at the Russian port of Ust-Luga.

A leaked Russian document instructed authorities to send the tanker for a diving inspection. Russian state media has claimed that divers were searching for sea mines attached to the hull.

However, Danish military analyst Jens Wenzel Kristoffersen questions the explanation.

- If the ship really only sailed through Danish waters and the North Sea, I see this as Russian propaganda intended to portray Denmark in a negative light. Or as a signal to ship operators that they can be subjected to Russian control when they arrive in port, he told Danwatch.

Danwatch has also seen documentation indicating that Danish authorities were warned about possible armed guards aboard the tanker. The information has not been independently confirmed.

Russia has previously used mercenaries and intelligence personnel to protect shadow fleet tankers against possible attempts by NATO countries to seize them.