Recent cold weather in Finland and Russia has frozen the surface of the Gulf of Finland, escalating concerns over potential oil spills, according to Ilja Iljin, the deputy commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard. While the ice thickness is currently within the normal range of ten to twenty centimeters, it poses significant risks due to the operation of Russian oil tankers termed the 'shadow fleet' that are not built for navigating in icy conditions. These vessels, meant to circumvent sanctions, could lead to environmental catastrophes if they encounter issues in the challenging icy waters.

Iljin emphasizes that the shadow fleet consists of older, poorly maintained vessels, which raises further alarms regarding their ability to safely navigate through ice. He also doubts the crew's proficiency, noting that the crews of these vessels come from various parts of the world, many of whom lack experience in ice navigation as there are few icy seas globally. This lack of expertise, combined with the unsuitable design of the tankers, significantly heightens the risk of an oil spill that could have devastating impacts on the maritime environment of the Gulf of Finland.

The situation raises urgent questions about maritime safety and environmental protection in the region. With the cold season progressing and the potential for an increase in shipping activities from the shadow fleet, authorities may need to implement stricter regulations and safeguards to prevent oil-related incidents. As climate conditions and global shipping practices evolve, ensuring that vessels are adequately equipped and crewed for icy conditions will be critical for protecting both the marine ecosystem and regional economies reliant on maritime activities.