A HONG KONG flagged ship's captain has been has been held in Hong Kong charged with 'criminal damage' in connection with 2023 damage to the Balticconnector pipeline, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.
Hong Kong retains authority over criminal acts on Hong Kong-registered ships in international waters.
Them Balticconnector is natural gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia, which plays a crucial role in energy security for the region. It was damaged in October 2023, with investigators suggesting Russian foul play.
Captain Wan Wenguo, 43, appeared in Hong Kong's Eastern Court facing criminal damage charges and marine by-law violations from the 1,620-TEU ice-strengthened NewNew Polar Bear's October-December voyage.
Prosecutors allege that he damaged the Balticconnector and a telecom cable by dragging his anchor for several hundred nautical miles.
The case comes amid regional security concerns in the Baltic, where NATO has boosted maritime patrols since multiple infrastructure incidents began in 2022.
Finnish and Chinese authorities continue to cooperate on the investigation. The next court hearing is set for early July.
Under Hong Kong law, the jurisdiction retains authority over criminal acts on Hong Kong-registered ships in international waters.
SeaNews Turkey
Hong Kong retains authority over criminal acts on Hong Kong-registered ships in international waters.
Them Balticconnector is natural gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia, which plays a crucial role in energy security for the region. It was damaged in October 2023, with investigators suggesting Russian foul play.
Captain Wan Wenguo, 43, appeared in Hong Kong's Eastern Court facing criminal damage charges and marine by-law violations from the 1,620-TEU ice-strengthened NewNew Polar Bear's October-December voyage.
Prosecutors allege that he damaged the Balticconnector and a telecom cable by dragging his anchor for several hundred nautical miles.
The case comes amid regional security concerns in the Baltic, where NATO has boosted maritime patrols since multiple infrastructure incidents began in 2022.
Finnish and Chinese authorities continue to cooperate on the investigation. The next court hearing is set for early July.
Under Hong Kong law, the jurisdiction retains authority over criminal acts on Hong Kong-registered ships in international waters.
SeaNews Turkey
