International maritime law does not allow to stop and search vessels on the high seas just like that, but other loopholes can be applied than Germany uses. This was stated by Johannes Peters, an expert at the Institute for Security Policy in Kiel, in the DW* "Geofactor" podcast.
According to him, the control of the Russian "shadow fleet" in the Baltic looks like this: ships are not stopped because it is legally impossible, they are contacted by radio and asked questions. Information on insurance coverage is requested, which the crew must provide. International maritime law does not allow to stop and search vessels on the high seas just like that, but if tankers are not insured against oil pollution, then they violate other international requirements, and then "measures of influence can be applied against these vessels." Such tactics are used to increase pressure on the "shadow fleet" of the Russian Federation, says Peters.
Since the Baltic Sea is very narrow, "there is practically no what is called the open sea in it," therefore, vessels passing near the German-owned island of Fehmarn find themselves "in the zone of influence of German law," he explained.
"Now they are trying to use all available legal means to eventually make the passage or entry of vessels into the 'shadow fleet' less attractive" for shipowners and those states under whose flags ships are sailing in the Baltic Sea, the expert added.
*An organization performing the functions of a foreign agent
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