The Swedish Coast Guard has detained the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Hui Yuan on suspicion of illegally discharging coal dust into the sea, according to Swedish broadcaster SVT.
The vessel, which was travelling from Russia to Las Palmas, was inspected on the morning of April 12 on the orders of prosecutors after being spotted from the air the previous day near the coast of Ystad.
Authorities said they observed coal residue being washed from the ship’s deck into the sea. The vessel is currently anchored off Ystad, and the captain is expected to be charged, according to prosecutor Håkan Andersson.
“We caught the vessel discharging coal dust into the sea. This is a violation of the environmental code. We intend to question the captain and bring suspicion. We will see whether it results in a fine or an order,” Andersson said.
SVT security correspondent Johan Granlund noted that Swedish authorities have intensified efforts against vessels suspected of links to the so-called shadow fleet, though he added that the detained ship is not an oil tanker and does not transport oil.
By Jeyhun Aghazada
