Finnish authorities have successfully relocated the Eagle S oil tanker to a more secure anchorage at Svartbäck, near the Kilpilahti harbour in Porvoo, as part of the ongoing investigation into the Christmas Day damage to the Estlink 2 subsea power cable.
The tanker, suspected of causing the damage, is being held as part of an ongoing investigation and further questioning of its crew.
Helsinki Police Superintendent Heikki Porola confirmed that the tanker arrived at its destination around 4pm on Saturday, with operations proceeding as planned.
The vessel's relocation from 15 kilometres off the coast of Porkkala to Porvoo was undertaken to facilitate investigative measures.
"The vessel's captain and crew have remained on board and active during the move. Once anchored, we will resume investigative procedures, focusing on whether this ship caused the damage," Porola told Yle.
The secure location allows authorities to conduct technical crime scene investigations and crew interrogations more efficiently. The tanker's cargo, consisting of oil products, remains on board under supervision by Finnish Customs.
Urgency prevented further damage
According to Porola, the Finnish authorities' swift action on Christmas Day was driven by concerns that the Eagle S could damage additional critical infrastructure, including the Estlink 1 power cable and the Balticconnector gas pipeline.
Reports indicated that these facilities were at risk within hours of the tanker's initial suspected involvement.
The possibility of damage to Estlink 1 and Balticconnector was previously reported by Helsingin Sanomat.
According to the newspaper, the vessel could have broken Estlink 1 within half an hour if it had continued on its route. Within an hour it would have reached the location of the Balticconnector gas pipeline.
Customs probes cargo
In addition to the cable damage investigation, Finnish Customs is conducting a preliminary inquiry into potential violations related to the tanker's cargo.
Customs Director Hannu Sinkkonen stated that authorities are examining whether there is a basis to launch a formal investigation into the cargo's compliance with international sanctions.
The Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands and reportedly linked to Russia's so-called "dark fleet," or "shadow fleet," is under scrutiny for its role in the incident.
These ageing vessels often lack transparency in ownership and pose environmental and security risks and are used by Russia to circumvent sanctions
In addition, Germany has called for new sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Saturday.
"It's more than difficult to still believe in coincidences. This is an urgent wake-up call for all of us," Baerbock said.
Secure area
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA) has secured the anchorage at Svartbäck, describing it as a sheltered location ideal for the ongoing investigation. No other ships are currently in the area and maritime traffic remains restricted to maintain security around the tanker.
Authorities have reiterated that the investigation is in its early stages and have yet to draw definitive conclusions about the incident's origins or potential connections to hybrid interference.
The British maritime media Lloyd's List reported on Friday evening, based on an anonymous source, that the Eagle S was carrying espionage equipment designed to intercept Nato maritime and aircraft radio communications. Finnish authorities have not confirmed this information.