A Hong Kong-flagged container ship’s captain has been remanded in custody in connection with damage to the Balticconnector pipeline between Estonia and Finland in October 2023.
China’s South Morning Post reported that Newnew Polar Bear Captain Wan Wenguo, 43, had appeared in Hong Kong’s Eastern Court where he faced criminal damage charges and two counts of violating marine bylaws related to the vessel’s voyage between October and December 2023.
The state has alleged that Wenguo was responsible for damaging the Balticconnector pipeline and a nearby telecommunications cable during his voyage. The specific charges include failing to maintain sufficient anchor equipment and not filing daily reports to the vessel’s owner.
His court appearance comes at a time when there are heightened security concerns regarding the Baltic Sea region, where several infrastructure disruptions have been reported since 2022.
These disruptions led to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation deploying frigates, aircraft and naval drones to strengthen its maritime presence in the region.
Finnish authorities are still investigating the incident in cooperation with Chinese government officials.
The matter is expected to be heard in court in early July.
