The Swedish Navy has joined forces with Finland to investigate recent damage to critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. This collaboration highlights growing concerns over maritime security and the resilience of undersea networks amid escalating regional tensions.
Background
On 25 December 2024, the Estlink2 power cable, a vital connection between Estonia and Finland, suffered a disruption, raising alarms about the vulnerability of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) in the Baltic Sea. This incident is part of an ongoing series of similar events since September 2022, which have intensified regional security concerns.
Swedish Assistance
To support the investigation, the Swedish Navy deployed its submarine rescue vessel, HSwMS Belos, to the Gulf of Finland on 6 January 2025. Equipped with advanced diving and underwater recovery capabilities, the Belos has been instrumental in assessing and addressing the damage to undersea assets.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, authorities discovered that the tanker Eagle S had caused significant damage to the seabed, dragging a track several kilometers long. On 7 January, HSwMS Belos recovered a missing anchor from the Eagle S, suspected to be the primary cause of the damage to the Estlink2 cable. Finnish authorities have taken possession of the anchor for further analysis by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Regional Security Concerns
These incidents have heightened fears about the security of critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The involvement of vessels, including those suspected to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet,’ underscores the complexities of maintaining maritime security. In response, the Finnish Navy has increased its presence in the Gulf of Finland, deploying assets such as the mine countermeasures vessel Vahterpää and the oil spill response vessel Hylkee to protect vital undersea networks.
Future Outlook
The joint efforts between Sweden and Finland demonstrate a strong commitment to regional security and safeguarding critical infrastructure. As investigations progress, additional measures may be introduced to enhance the protection of undersea assets against potential threats. This collaboration sets a precedent for unified responses to maritime security challenges in the Baltic region.
