Category: Security policy

Baltic Sea: Russian special unit for underwater reconnaissance visits

Another eye-catching visitor is likely to keep the Baltic Sea neighbours busy. On 13 May 2024, the "Tchusovoy", GS 31 (project 1454), was photographed in the Great Belt by Michael Nitz. In Russian terminology, it is referred to as a 'hydroacoustic reconnaissance vessel', also known as a 'small reconnaissance vessel'. The ship, which displaces 1,700 tonnes and is just under sixty metres long, looks superficially like a Sorum-class ocean-going tug, project 0745P, of which the Russian Navy has 14 units according to Military Balance 2023. On closer inspection, the special design of the stern, which is used to deploy and accommodate its towing sonar, becomes apparent. The special design of the stern as well as the possibility of...

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Pentagon: Port Gaza now operational

At the beginning of March, immediately after President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, the US Department of Defence had already declared an emergency mission to set up a temporary pier facility on the coast of Gaza to deliver 2 million meals a day as humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population. Under the direction of U.S. Central Command, the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Capability (JLOTS) was to be brought to bear within 60 days. This includes a floating pontoon anchored off the coast and a two-lane floating pier that provides the connection to the mainland. On the seaward side, a squadron of support vessels and barges (lighterage system craft) provide the shuttle service.

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Detained ship allowed to leave German harbour

A Russian cargo ship coming from Saint Petersburg has been detained by German customs since 4 March on suspicion of violating European sanctions against Russia. After weeks of checks, the ship was allowed to leave the port of Rostock in mid-April. The 193 metre long "Atlantic Navigator II" is managed by a Canadian shipping company and sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands. The ship was carrying 251 containers of birch wood for the USA. Although timber is subject to EU sanctions, it is not subject to US sanctions, according to the public prosecutor's office. It was also carrying enriched uranium for US customers, which is also subject to US and EU sanctions.

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Kiel Canal: Expansion progressing

The eastern section of the Kiel Canal (NOK) is currently being widened, as large ships cannot pass each other in this section in some areas, resulting in waiting times and sometimes damage to the banks. Freighters are getting bigger and bigger and the NOK is being prepared by the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) for the shipping traffic of the future. On the stretch between Großkönigsförde (Rendsburg-Eckernförde district) and Kiel-Holtenau, the canal is being widened in several sections to a minimum bed width of 70 metres, including increasing the radii of tight bends. The first section between Großkönigsförde and Schinkel - construction began in January 2020 - is currently...

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