Estonian authorities have detained the refrigerated container vessel Baltic Spirit on suspicion of involvement in smuggling activities while the ship was en route from Ecuador to St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Bahamas‑flagged containership, 188 m overall, was boarded and secured on 3 February near Naissaar Island in the Gulf of Finland after entering Estonia’s internal waters for bunkering.
The vessel was initially held at anchorage to allow customs officials to begin inspection procedures. On 4 February, authorities shifted Baltic Spirit under escort to the Port of Muuga, near Tallinn, where a more thorough customs and cargo inspection is expected to continue.
All 23 crew members, reportedly Russian nationals, did not resist and are cooperating with authorities.
Estonian officials state that the detention is not linked to EU sanctions or Russia’s shadow fleet, but arises from credible indications that the vessel could have been involved in moving contraband from Ecuador. Specific illicit goods have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Customs investigators are conducting.
