Ship Captain Denies Charges in Baltic Sea Pipeline and Cable Damage Case

Post by : Saif Nasser

A Chinese cargo ship captain has denied criminal charges linked to damage of an underwater gas pipeline and telecom cables in the Baltic Sea. The plea was made in a Hong Kong court, where the case is now moving ahead through the legal system.

The captain, Wan Wenguo, age 44, commanded the Hong Kong-registered container vessel NewNew Polar Bear. Authorities claim the ship was connected to an incident in October 2023 that damaged important underwater infrastructure between Finland and Estonia. Prosecutors have charged him with criminal damage. He has formally pleaded not guilty.

According to the charge sheet, the damage involved the Balticconnector gas pipeline and nearby submarine communication cables. These systems sit on the seabed and are used to transport natural gas and digital data between countries. Any break or leak in these lines can cause serious problems for energy supply and communications.

Investigators believe the damage may have happened when the ship’s anchor was dragged across the sea floor. When a heavy anchor moves along the bottom instead of staying fixed, it can strike pipelines or cables. Officials studied ship tracking data and found that the vessel had passed close to the damaged area around the time the break was discovered.

After the incident, Finnish and Estonian authorities opened a joint investigation. Border security teams, marine experts, and technical inspectors examined the site and reviewed ship routes. The case gained international attention because it involved cross-border energy and data connections.

By pleading not guilty, the captain is challenging the accusation and requiring prosecutors to prove their case in court. This means the court will review navigation records, ship logs, satellite tracking, and expert reports about how the damage likely occurred. The defense team is expected to argue that there was no criminal intent or direct responsibility.

Maritime cases like this are often difficult to prove. Events happen far from shore, and physical evidence lies deep underwater. Investigators must depend on technical readings and recorded data rather than eyewitness accounts. Weather conditions, sea traffic, and mechanical factors are also considered.

The Balticconnector pipeline plays an important role in regional energy security. It links gas networks between Finland and Estonia and supports stable supply. The nearby telecom cables carry internet and communication traffic. Damage to either system raises concern among governments because repairs are costly and time-consuming.

The case is being heard in Hong Kong because the ship is registered there. Under international shipping rules, vessels often fall under the legal authority of their registration location. That determines where charges can be filed and trials can take place.

Legal observers say the proceedings may take a long time because the evidence comes from more than one country and involves complex engineering details. Experts from Europe may be called to explain how the pipeline and cables were damaged and whether a passing ship could have caused it.

Until the court reaches a decision, the captain is considered innocent under the law. The case shows how closely connected global shipping routes are with critical infrastructure — and how one incident at sea can lead to a major international legal dispute.