Lyce · Hybrid Watch

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Russian Shadow-Fleet Tanker Sun Conducts Suspicious Manoeuvres Near Poland–Sweden Undersea Power Cable.

On 20 May 2025, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged tanker Sun (IMO 9293117), identified as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, conducted suspicious manoeuvres near the SwePol Link undersea electricity cable connecting Poland and Sweden. Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the vessel was operating outside Poland’s territorial waters, above infrastructure belonging to Polish electricity transmission operator PSE. Polish military authorities responded by dispatching a maritime patrol aircraft, prompting the vessel to leave the area and proceed toward a Russian port. The Polish Navy also deployed the hydrographic survey vessel ORP Heweliusz to examine the location. Prime Minister Donald Tusk publicly described the activity as a potential threat to critical underwater infrastructure. The SwePol Link, with a transmission capacity of approximately 600 MW, remained operational, and no physical damage was reported. Although the vessel’s activities raised concerns about possible reconnaissance or sabotage preparations, its precise intentions and any Russian state-directed operation were not established.

Occurrence
2025-05-20
Publication
2025-05-20
First observed
2026-10-20T10:30:42.945Z
Review status
Not assessed
Countries
PL, SE
Updated
2026-10-20T10:30:42.945Z

Attribution

Pattern-compatible

Facts

No facts

Sources

  1. Role
    discovery_lead
    Date
    2025-05-20T20:38:42Z

    On 20 May 2025, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged tanker Sun (IMO 9293117), identified as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, conducted suspicious manoeuvres near the SwePol Link undersea electricity cable connecting Poland and Sweden. Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the vessel was operating outside Poland’s territorial waters, above infrastructure belonging to Polish electricity transmission operator PSE. Polish military authorities responded by dispatching a maritime patrol aircraft, prompting the vessel to leave the area and proceed toward a Russian port. The Polish Navy also deployed the hydrographic survey vessel ORP Heweliusz to examine the location. Prime Minister Donald Tusk publicly described the activity as a potential threat to critical underwater infrastructure. The SwePol Link, with a transmission capacity of approximately 600 MW, remained operational, and no physical damage was reported. Although the vessel’s activities raised concerns about possible reconnaissance or sabotage preparations, its precise intentions and any Russian state-directed operation were not established.