Dutch intelligence authorities have warned of Russian attempts to sabotage its North Sea energy infrastructure and told operators to be on their guard.
Russia had instigated “activities that indicate espionage as well as preparing operations for disturbance and sabotage” of underwater cables, wind farms and gas pipelines in the North Sea, said a report published by the Dutch military intelligence unit MIVD on Monday.
General Jan Swillens, head of MIVD, said at a news conference that a ship had been detected attempting to map energy infrastructure in the North Sea in recent months but that the ship had been unsuccessful as it was escorted away by the Dutch navy and coastguard.
The report warned operators of maritime infrastructure that they should increase their security measures and “resilience” in light of the recent events. It also described Moscow’s attempts to weaponise supplies of energy to the bloc and that Russia was aware its “long-term energy power is fragile”.
Last autumn, Norway increased the level of alert for its armed forces following the alleged sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September, which could carry Russian gas to Europe. Oslo increased military surveillance of the North Sea and put on a show of military force, flying F-35 fighter jets over its oil and gas platforms after reports of sightings of unknown drones in their vicinity.
Germany, the UK and France also provided assistance while Italy said its navy would increase measures to protect gas pipelines bringing supplies from north Africa to Europe through the Sicilian channel, warning that it feared Russia could try to target important energy infrastructure.
Concerns over the security of energy supplies in Europe rose after Russia was suspected of being involved in sabotaging the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which led to huge gas leaks in the Baltic Sea. Russia has denied responsibility and called for a UN investigation, with President Vladimir Putin blaming “the Anglo-Saxons” for the damage.
On Sunday, the Netherlands said it would expel “about 10” Russian diplomats, the latest in a run of tit-for-tat expulsions that started in March last year.
