Estonian Authorities Board and Seize Baltic Spirit in Smuggling Investigation

Estonian authorities have boarded and seized the refrigerated containership Baltic Spirit for inspection on suspicion of smuggling, officials confirmed late on 3 February.

The operation was carried out by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, supported by police and navy units. Officers from the police’s K-Commando special unit boarded the vessel by helicopter while it was anchored near Naissaar, with naval vessels providing support. Authorities said the crew offered no resistance and is cooperating with investigators.

The ship is suspected of being linked to smuggling activity originating from Ecuador, though officials have not released further details. An initial search is under way at anchorage, after which the vessel is expected to be moved alongside for a more thorough inspection.

The Baltic Spirit is a 16,580-dwt reefer containership built in 2018, registered in the Bahamas. The vessel is not sanctioned and is not part of Russia’s shadow fleet. It was en route from Ecuador to St. Petersburg and had called in Estonia to refuel, according to ShipAtlas AIS data.

Authorities said the inspection is expected to take time due to the large number of containers onboard. No further information has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.