Swedish authorities have boarded and are investigating a cargo ship suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “ghost fleet” and potentially transporting stolen Ukrainian grain. The vessel, the Caffa, was intercepted off the southern coast of Sweden on Friday, March 7th, prompting an investigation into potential sanctions violations and maritime safety concerns. This incident underscores growing international efforts to disrupt Russia’s attempts to circumvent Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.
The 96-meter (315-foot) Caffa, which departed Casablanca, Morocco, on February 24th, was reportedly en route to St. Petersburg, Russia, when it was intercepted near Trelleborg, Sweden. According to a statement from the Swedish Coast Guard, the ship is listed on Ukraine’s sanctions list and was found to be sailing under a false Guinean flag. The operation involved armed police boarding the vessel, and one crew member is currently under investigation for potential maritime code and safety violations, as well as the use of false documents.
“The ship is on Ukraine’s sanctions list, the ownership structure is unclear and there is a suspicion that insurance is missing,” stated authorities, highlighting the opaque nature of vessels associated with the “ghost fleet.” Daniel Stenling, the head of operations for the Swedish Coast Guard, explained during a press conference that the ship’s operation revealed “serious deficiencies” in maritime safety. “Our mission is to enforce regulations at sea. We will take measures against ships that violate them and endanger safety in our maritime area,” Stenling added, as reported by RTBF.
The “ghost fleet” refers to a network of aging, often poorly maintained vessels used by Russia to bypass international sanctions. These ships frequently operate without adequate insurance, crew certifications, or clear ownership, posing a significant risk to maritime safety and environmental protection. Authorities suspect these vessels are used to transport goods, including those obtained illicitly, while obscuring the origin and destination of the cargo. The Swedish Coast Guard is currently conducting a thorough inspection of the Caffa to determine its seaworthiness and whether it is authorized to continue its voyage.
The Russian embassy in Stockholm has confirmed that 10 of the 11 crew members aboard the Caffa are Russian citizens and is prepared to provide consular assistance if needed, according to a statement posted on Telegram. The Swedish Transport Agency will assess the ship’s condition and compliance with international maritime standards.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, expressed gratitude to Sweden for the intervention, stating on X that “collective action against such ships is strengthening” and that sanctions are effective when strictly enforced. He emphasized the need to halt the activities of Russia’s “ghost fleet” to safeguard European security and the environment.
The investigation into the Caffa is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing documentation, interviewing crew members, and gathering information to determine the full extent of any violations. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of vessels potentially linked to Russia and the growing international cooperation to enforce sanctions and maintain maritime security.
What comes next will depend on the findings of the Swedish Transport Agency’s inspection. If the Caffa is deemed unsafe or in violation of sanctions, it could face detention or further legal action. The case is likely to further galvanize international efforts to identify and disrupt the operations of Russia’s “ghost fleet,” and to ensure the integrity of global trade routes.
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