Baltic on alert: Poland responds to the emerging threat of the "shadow fleet"

The Baltic Sea is rapidly becoming a new front in hybrid warfare and geopolitical confrontation. Poland has responded swiftly to recent suspicious maritime activities by the so-called "shadow fleet", preventing potential damage to critical underwater infrastructure connecting Poland and Sweden.

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Today | 15:36 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. KPRM

Rising maritime threats: shadow fleet operations in the Baltic

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk attended an emergency briefing at the Naval Operations Centre in Gdynia with top command officials from the Polish Navy. The meeting followed alarming movements by vessels linked to the so-called "shadow fleet" – a network of ships operating under dubious registration to avoid sanctions and conduct acts of maritime sabotage.

– We have already witnessed several massive incidents involving damage to underwater infrastructure. These threats are not theoretical. The so-called shadow fleet consists primarily of Russian units, although they operate under various flags, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the briefing.

The term "shadow fleet" refers to vessels with unclear ownership or registration, often linked to Russian operations. These ships engage in deliberate sabotage tactics such as dragging anchors along the seabed, targeting vital underwater assets like cables and pipelines. Similar incidents have affected Finland, Sweden, and Estonia.

Prompt military response: Polish forces prevent undersea sabotage

On May 20, Polish forces identified a tanker from the shadow fleet executing suspicious maneuvers near an energy cable operated by Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE), linking Poland and Sweden. While the vessel was located outside of Polish territorial waters, its activity triggered immediate action.

Following orders from the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, a patrol flight was conducted, leading to the ship retreating and ultimately changing course towards Russia.

PSE later confirmed that the Poland–Sweden interconnector remains operational and is actively used for cross-border electricity exchange. The company continues to work closely with state security services to ensure infrastructure protection.

– People still don't fully grasp how frequently international infrastructure assets on the Baltic seabed are being targeted by acts of sabotage or even terrorism. We’ve already dealt with operations that caused severe damage, added Prime Minister Tusk.

Polish Navy: operational readiness and strategic modernization

– In every such situation, you simply have to respond. There can’t be even a shadow of doubt that we are not vigilant in such difficult times. The Polish Armed Forces are on watch, they’re on the ground. I thank all soldiers, all sailors, and extend my deepest appreciation for the entire operation, said Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk.

The Polish Navy vessel ORP Heweliusz remains on station in the Baltic Sea, as investigations continue into whether explosive devices may have been deployed near the subsea cable.

Strategic investment in maritime surveillance capabilities

In response to the growing threat, Prime Minister Tusk announced an immediate acceleration of procurement for modern surveillance systems and unmanned maritime platforms.

– We have decided to launch procurement for drones and more advanced surveillance sets for the Navy. With drones, we will be able to effectively monitor what is happening under the water, on the surface, and in the air, he stated.

The introduction of unmanned platforms is expected to significantly reduce the cost and resource burden associated with deploying manned naval vessels for patrol missions and will strengthen the country's overall maritime situational awareness.

The Baltic Sea: a strategic theatre for infrastructure and security

The Prime Minister’s presence in the Pomeranian region also included a visit to Baltic Towers, a new state-of-the-art facility producing towers for offshore wind turbines. The visit took on additional significance in the context of increasing regional tensions.

– This intersects directly with our broader strategic efforts – massive investments onshore and offshore. We're talking not just about offshore wind farms but also a nuclear power plant that will rely heavily on maritime transport. These are, of course, offshore assets – giant wind farms we will be building in the Baltic Sea. Not to mention traditional subsea infrastructure – cables, gas pipelines, said Tusk.

In response to the strategic importance of the region, Poland spearheaded the creation of Baltic Sentry, a NATO-led initiative aimed at providing increased surveillance and protection in the Baltic Sea for an initial period of 90 days, with the possibility of extension.

– It wasn’t necessary to activate that level of NATO response yesterday, but let’s not deceive ourselves. There is no room for illusions. The Baltic may very well become – like the Polish eastern border today – a zone of permanent confrontation. And at this point, it's not even just hybrid warfare anymore, said the Prime Minister.

Hybrid warfare meets energy security

The incident on May 20 is a sobering reminder that the Baltic Sea is no longer merely a zone of commercial maritime traffic – it is now a key area in Europe’s strategic security landscape. The growing frequency of hybrid and asymmetric threats against energy infrastructure calls for continued investment in defence capabilities and proactive international cooperation.

– These are real acts of aggression, targeting installations critical to our energy and national security, said Tusk.

With underwater energy connections, offshore wind farms, and planned nuclear infrastructure relying on secure maritime logistics, the defence of the Baltic is no longer optional – it is essential.

As the Baltic Sea transforms into a frontline of hybrid and strategic confrontation, Poland stands at the helm of efforts to ensure that Europe’s maritime infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and future-proof.

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