OSLO, Norway has seized a Russian vessel in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard as part of efforts to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation award won by Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz.
The vessel, named Professor Molchanov, was seized at the port of Barentsburg after a Norwegian court issued an order on August 31.
The court action followed an application by Naftogaz to enforce an international arbitration award against Russia.
Dispute Linked to Crimea
The compensation claim dates back to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Naftogaz and other companies in its group said Russia unlawfully seized their assets in Crimea.
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An arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in 2023 that Russia must pay Naftogaz about $4.22 billion, in addition to interest and legal costs.
Moscow has not paid the award.
Naftogaz has since pursued Russian assets in several countries in an effort to enforce the ruling.
Russian Ship Barred From Leaving
The Professor Molchanov is owned by the Russian Federation and operates as a commercial expedition vessel, including voyages to Svalbard.
Under the Norwegian court order, the ship cannot leave its current location.
Norwegian authorities are also handling matters involving passengers who were aboard the vessel separately.
Russia Calls Seizure ‘Piracy’
Russia has strongly criticized the Norwegian action.
Russian state media quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesperson as describing the seizure as “piracy.”
The dispute adds another layer to already strained relations between Russia and Norway amid wider tensions between Moscow and NATO countries.
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Naftogaz Welcomes Norwegian Action
Naftogaz welcomed the seizure as another step toward enforcing the international arbitration award.
The company said Russia cannot avoid its obligations simply by refusing to comply with the ruling.
Naftogaz has said it will continue pursuing Russian assets abroad until the compensation awarded by the tribunal is paid.
Norwegian authorities have emphasized that the action concerns enforcement of a legal award between Naftogaz and Russia.
Wider Legal Battle Over Russian Assets
The seizure is part of a broader international effort by Naftogaz to recover compensation through Russian assets located outside the country.
The company has pursued enforcement measures in several jurisdictions, including the United States, Britain, France and Finland.
The case highlights the growing use of national courts to enforce international arbitration awards linked to Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian assets.
