Swedish Coast Guard Catches Panama-Flagged Ship Dumping Coal Waste, Fines Captain

Swedish authorities have fined the master of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Hui Yuan after the vessel was caught discharging coal residues into the Baltic Sea, in violation of environmental regulations.

The incident was detected on Saturday, April 11, when an aircraft operated by the Swedish Coast Guard observed the vessel flushing coal waste east of Gotland, within Sweden’s economic zone.

The ship was on a voyage from a Russian port to Las Palmas, Spain.

Following the detection, the Coast Guard patrol vessel KBV 003 Amfitrite intercepted the ship near the southern coast of Sweden.

On Sunday morning, officials, along with representatives from the Swedish Prosecution Authority, boarded the vessel near Ystad to carry out an inspection and begin legal proceedings.

Authorities confirmed that a preliminary investigation was launched into a suspected breach of Sweden’s Environmental Code.

During questioning, the vessel’s master admitted that coal residues had been washed from the deck directly into the sea and acknowledged responsibility for failing to prevent the discharge.

Prosecutors imposed a penalty of 50 daily fines of 500 Swedish kronor each, amounting to a total of 25,000 kronor.

After the fine was secured, the vessel was allowed to leave Swedish waters and resume its voyage.

Daniel Stenling, deputy head of operations at the Coast Guard, stated that Swedish agencies are working jointly to maintain order at sea and respond to environmental violations.

He added that authorities intervene when suspicious activity is identified, depending on prevailing conditions.

Swedish authorities have recently stepped up enforcement efforts, particularly involving vessels operating routes linked to Russian exports.

Concerns have been raised over environmental risks posed by inadequately regulated or insured ships operating in the region.

In a separate development earlier in the same week, Swedish forces monitored heightened maritime activity, including the interception of a Russian submarine transiting towards the Baltic Sea.

Reference: kustbevakningen