Maritime infrastructure operators in the Netherlands must step up security and “resilience” measures following the discovery of a Russian ship in the North Sea attempting to map energy facilities. This is stated in the report of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) of the Netherlands, RBC reports with reference to the Financial Times.
The document claims that Russia has allegedly stepped up “activities that indicate espionage, as well as preparations for disruption and sabotage operations” of submarine cables, wind farms and gas pipelines in the North Sea.
According to the head of the MIVD, General Jan Swillens, the ship was discovered “in one of the last months.” His activities were thwarted by the Dutch navy and coast guards who escorted the ship. At the same time, according to the general, the maneuvers of the ship “indicated that he was preparing for damage and sabotage.”
Swillens also said that Russia is “still interested in data on infrastructure in the North Sea”, in particular on underwater Internet cables and gas pipelines. “This makes it clear that the threat to the Netherlands is more specific than many people think,” the head of military intelligence said.
Source: Rosbalt
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