A Chinese bulk carrier, under investigation for allegedly damaging two fibre-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, has resumed movement after being stationary for over a month in a Danish shipping lane, according to the Swedish Coast Guard on Saturday.

The vessel, the Yi Peng 3, had been at the center of a diplomatic standoff until Thursday, when China granted permission for officials from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark to board the ship alongside Chinese investigators. This ended the month-long impasse.

"The ship has begun moving and is heading towards Port Said in Egypt," a Swedish Coast Guard spokesperson told Reuters. "We are closely monitoring the vessel and maintaining communication with the relevant authorities." The spokesperson did not provide further details or comment on whether any evidence had been found regarding the damage to the cables.

Jonas Backstrand, head of Sweden’s accident investigation authority, expressed satisfaction with the visit, stating that the inspection was "relatively open and transparent," allowing officials to view what they needed and speak with the crew.

The damaged cables, one connecting Finland and Germany and the other linking Sweden to Lithuania, were cut on November 17 and 18. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius suggested the damage was likely a result of sabotage.

Investigators quickly turned their focus on the Yi Peng 3, which had departed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga on November 15. MarineTraffic data analysis showed the vessel's location and timing matched the cable breaches.

Under international maritime law, vessels operating in international waters are protected by the "freedom of navigation" principle, meaning they are not subject to interference from other states.

Following the inspection, Denmark announced that the Yi Peng 3 could continue its journey. Swedish investigators, working alongside their Chinese counterparts, conducted the inspection, while police officers from Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark were present as observers.