Danish Waters See Surge in Oil Transport Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts
A significant increase in oil transport through Danish waters has been observed, with nearly five million barrels passing daily, according to Danish Shipping Companies. This surge, noted between 2021 and 2025, is attributed to international sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions have redirected a substantial portion of Russian oil exports through the Baltic Sea. Consequently, countries like Germany and Poland have increased their imports of Norwegian and American oil, contributing to the heightened traffic in the Great Belt and the Sound. The analysis highlights concerns over the use of 'shadow fleet' ships, which are often in poor condition and lack reliable insurance, raising fears of potential oil disasters in Danish waters.