New Zealand has expressed serious concerns regarding the Cook Islands’ shipping registry, primarily due to its connection to Russia’s shadow fleet. Internal emails from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade reveal that following the recent seizure of a Cook Islands-registered ship, the Eagle S, by Finnish authorities, New Zealand has reached out to assist in improving maritime standards.
The Eagle S, apprehended on Christmas Day 2024, is suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable, which is critical for electricity transmission between Finland and Estonia. Finnish officials also suspect the vessel is linked to efforts to bypass sanctions on Russian oil, marking a troubling trend in the region.
In correspondence released under the Official Information Act, New Zealand officials have expressed growing unease about the integrity of the Cook Islands’ shipping registry. New Zealand’s High Commission in the Cook Islands emphasized the need to clarify the situation and seek assurances from the Cook Islands government regarding the management of its shipping registry, particularly following the incident with Eagle S. This includes demanding confirmation that all sanctioned vessels have been deregistered or that the necessary actions are underway.
Maritime law mandates that all ships operating in international waters must be registered under a flag; otherwise, they can be classified as pirate vessels. Several Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands, have capitalized on this requirement to generate revenue by allowing foreign ships to register under their flags. However, this practice raises complex issues regarding compliance and oversight.
The correspondence suggests New Zealand is prepared to offer experts to help the Cook Islands enhance its maritime registration processes, should they require additional support. This collaboration is underpinned by a shared interest in maintaining international peace and security in the region, especially given the increasing number of vessels linked to sanctions on Russia appearing in the Cook Islands registry.
With geopolitical tensions on the rise, particularly involving China’s expanding influence in the Pacific, the situation presents both challenges and opportunities for enhancing cooperative maritime governance. As New Zealand and the Cook Islands navigate these complexities, there is hope for improved oversight that benefits both nations and fosters greater maritime security in the region.
In light of ongoing maritime concerns, this development underscores the necessity of transparent and cooperative governance in international maritime activities, paving the way for stronger partnerships and a commitment to shared maritime integrity.
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