Norwegian vigilance high as tanker 'Mulan' circles pipelines
The Norwegian Coast Guard is monitoring the unusual movements of the gas tanker Mulan, which is registered in Panama. The vessel is circling over the area where cables and gas pipelines connect Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
The gas tanker 'Mulan', registered in Panama, has drawn the attention of the Norwegian Coast Guard for several days.
According to official data, the ship is sailing from Ura Bay on Russia's Kola Peninsula to Egypt, but it has not left the North Sea and the Skagerrak Strait since 26 December. The captain initially explained that he was waiting for better weather.
However, since then, satellite data shows that 'Mulan' has been zigzagging over the area where cables and gas pipelines connecting Norway, the United Kingdom, and Denmark are located.
The Norwegian Coast Guard increases vigilance
On Saturday, the ship was spotted again near Stavanger. "In the North Sea, there are many pipelines as well as energy and fibre-optic connections. We have heightened our vigilance regarding ship activities and are sharing our data with the Norwegian Armed Forces, police, and other relevant services," said Arve Dimmen of the Norwegian Border Guard to the "Dagbladet" newspaper.
'Mulan' remains outside Norwegian territorial waters but is under constant surveillance by border guards. The operational command of the Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed that navy ships and aircraft will monitor the suspicious vessel until it significantly moves away from the Norwegian coast.
The ship's behaviour is concerning, especially given the strategic importance of the underwater infrastructure in this region. Norwegian services are ready to respond to any potential threats.
