On Tuesday, Belgium has reported the presence of a Russian spy ship in its territorial waters of the North Sea near critical infrastructures, reported by Vincent Van Quickenborne, the Minister of Justice and the North Sea.
We do not know the exact reasons for the presence of this Russian ship, but we should not be naïve about it. They are “taking the necessary measures” to increase security at sea with other neighboring countries.”
Vincent Van Quickenborne-reported by the ‘Nieuwsblad’ newspaper.
The official authorities of Belgium have decribe that the vessel was traveling without any mandatory security system that reveals its identity to other ships. The vessel behaved “suspiciously” when crossed an area close to critical infrastructures, with “wind farms, submarine gas pipelines and data cables”.
Our Intelligence and Security services also take this scenario into account and are alert. the ship’s passage certainly fits within the broader context of the Ukrainian war.”
Van Quickenborne
While the official Security and Military Intelligence Service of Belgium already reported on Monday about the presence of the Russian spy ship in Belgian territorial waters, pointing out that the vessel could have been mapping critical infrastructure.
Since January 2023, the Belgian Maritime Security Act has come into force and allows, among other, for camera surveillance at sea, with mobile cameras on drones or ships. The government says it will use this to monitor wind turbines and will take necessary measures.
Russia has not commented on the Dutch and Belgian reports about the ship.
