Sweden Releases Bulk Carrier After Pollution Violation

Swedish authorities have allowed the bulk carrier Hui Yuan to leave after its captain admitted to breaching the country’s Environmental Code by discharging coal residues into the Baltic Sea. The vessel was sailing from Russia to Las Palmas in Spain at the time of the incident.

On the morning of April 12, a Swedish Coast Guard aircraft monitoring the Baltic Sea observed the Panama-flagged ship releasing coal residues into the water, an action that violated environmental regulations.

At around 8:00 a.m. local time, acting on behalf of the Swedish Prosecution Authority, Coast Guard personnel boarded the 225-meter vessel near Ystad using the patrol ship KBV 003. A preliminary investigation was launched immediately, and the captain was questioned on suspicion of breaching the Environmental Code.

Following the interview, the captain acknowledged the violation and provided a financial guarantee to cover any potential fines. This allowed the ship to continue its voyage and leave Swedish waters.

The Swedish Coast Guard has not released any additional information regarding the case or possible further enforcement measures.