Finnish Coast Guard Monitoring Tankers as One Drifts with Engine Troubles

The Gulf of Finland is currently under scrutiny as the Finnish Coast Guard investigates potential damage to undersea cables. This damage is believed to have been caused by a tanker involved in the Russian oil trade. As the investigation unfolds, the Coast Guard has turned its attention to two additional tankers in the area. These vessels are also linked to the Russian oil trade and are facing their own challenges. One tanker, in particular, is experiencing engine troubles, prompting a response from the Coast Guard. Weather conditions are also a concern, as they may be affecting the operations of these ships as they await entry into Russian ports.

Engine Troubles and Coast Guard Response

On December 29, the Finnish Coast Guard received a report about the Panama-flagged product tanker Jazz. This vessel, measuring 600 feet (183 meters) in length and weighing 50,548 deadweight tons, was located south of Hankoniemi at the mouth of the Gulf of Finland. The crew informed the Coast Guard that they were facing engine troubles and were attempting repairs. After drifting overnight, the Jazz anchored in a sheltered area south of Hanko. To ensure the safety of the vessel, the Coast Guard dispatched a tugboat and its patrol ship, Turva, to the scene. Fortunately, the Coast Guard assessed the situation as low risk, noting that the Jazz was traveling in ballast and was en route from Port Sudan to load in Russia. The vessel is owned and managed by Turkey’s Bekmezci Group, a known participant in the Russian oil trade. Reports indicate that many tankers in the Berks fleet, including the Jazz, have recently changed names to evade Western sanctions.

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Weather Challenges and Monitoring Tankers

The Finnish Coast Guard has reported that several tankers are currently circling in the Gulf of Finland due to strong winds in the area. These weather conditions have hindered additional underwater surveys at the site of the damage to the EstLink 2 power cable. Among the tankers in the area, the Guinea-Bissau registered Line has drawn particular attention. This crude oil tanker has been circling the Gulf of Finland since mid-December, with the crew indicating they are waiting to enter a Russian port. The Line was sanctioned by the European Union in December as part of a broader effort targeting over 50 tankers involved in the Russian oil trade. Deputy Command of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District, Mikko Hirvi, stated on social media that they are closely monitoring the Line, but do not believe it poses any significant environmental risk. Speculation suggests that the vessel has struggled to maintain its anchorage due to the strong winds. Built in 2005, the Line was part of the Berks fleet and switched to the Guinea-Bissau flag in March 2024, while continuing to be managed from Turkey.