THE captain of a Hong Kong-flagged containership has been arrested in connection with damage to the Balticconnector pipeline in October 2023, a critical gas infrastructure link between Estonia and Finland, reports Ventura California's gCaptain.

Captain Wan Wenguo, 43, appeared in Hong Kong's Eastern Court facing charges of criminal damage and violations of marine by-laws during the NewNew Polar Bear's voyage between October and December 2023.

Prosecutors allege Wenguo is responsible for damaging both the Balticconnector pipeline and a nearby telecommunications cable.

The incident has intensified regional security concerns in the Baltic Sea, where NATO has increased its maritime presence. Finnish authorities are coordinating with Chinese officials on the ongoing investigation.

The next court hearing is scheduled for July.