The "Alexandr Shabalin" is a Russian warship that recently caused puzzlement. For days, it anchored off the coast of Fehmarn - in international waters, but right next to the busy sea route. Security experts see two reasons for this: On the one hand, the ship is demonstrating its presence. On the other hand, it could have been escorting or protecting ships from the shadow fleet. Research by NDR suggests exactly that.
Escort for Russian freighters
They show: The "Alexandr Shabalin" was escorting the "Sparta IV", a freighter belonging to a Russian state shipping company. This is confirmed by webcam footage from the Danish island of Sprogø in the Great Belt. According to the NDR research, the "Sparta IV" departed from a Syrian harbour and travelled from there to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The "Alexandr Shabalin" finally picked it up in the Kattegat and accompanied it through Danish and German waters.
Experts suspect weapons on board
What could the freighter have on board? International experts suspect weapons or high-quality military equipment from Syria that Russia might need for the war in Ukraine. It wouldn't be the first time: The ship has already transported such cargo several times. The Russian navy was already escorting such voyages in spring 2024, reported the Kieler Nachrichten.
The federal police are keeping an eye on the "Alexandr Shabalin", according to a statement. However, the ship is travelling on international transport routes and is behaving in accordance with the rules.
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"Alexandr Shabalin": part of the Russian navy
The "Alexandr Shabalin" is a 112 metre long landing ship of the Russian Navy. It belongs to the Ropucha class, is part of the Baltic Fleet and was launched in Gdansk in 1985. The ship can transport around 340 soldiers and up to ten tanks. It is armed with guns, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft defence. A large bow hatch makes it possible to bring troops, vehicles and equipment directly ashore.
