The Federal Maritime Authority announced on Wednesday that wind farms near the German coast in northern Germany have been requested to install radar equipment to improve surveillance of drones and ships.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has seen attacks on infrastructure as well as the discovery of old oil tanks in European waters have raised security concerns.

German authorities initiated customs procedures after towing the Eventin vessel that was seen drifting in German waters. The European Union believes that the tanker is part of a Russian "shadow fleet", which circumvents oil sanctions.

Authorities have reported that some vessels have their navigation systems turned off. Last year, the Coast Guard of Finland reported disruptions in satellite navigation signals over the Baltic Sea, as well as some tankers misrepresenting their location.

BSH's spokesperson confirmed an article in Bild that asked offshore wind farms to install radar.

The BSH published the 2025 standards in late January. They require wind farm operators install the latest radar systems on suitable structures, and to deliver collected data to the authorities.

The data will be used to protect transport routes, said Nico Nolte of the BSH to Bild. It is also sent to the Federal Maritime Security Centre in Cuxhaven. The authority is in charge of ensuring the safety and security along the German coast.

EnBW, RWE and other utilities operate wind farms in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Germany is planning major investments in security and defense, after a constitutional change that was pushed by parties seeking the next government. The reform allows virtually unlimited spending on these areas. (Reporting and editing by Kirill Knolle, Ros Russell and Rachel More)

(source: Reuters)