Norwegian court orders seizure of Russian vessel in Svalbard over Ukraine compensation claim

Norwegian authorities detained the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov in the Arctic settlement of Barentsburg on Wednesday, following a court order that aims to enforce part of a compensation award granted to Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz. The award, totaling about $4.22 billion, stems from a 2023 Hague arbitration ruling that held Russia liable for the seizure of Naftogaz assets in Crimea.

The Nord-Troms and Senja District Court approved the seizure request filed by Covington, the U.S. law firm representing Naftogaz, and instructed the governor of Svalbard to keep the ship in port. The governor’s office confirmed the vessel would remain docked and said it would cooperate with the Russian mining enterprise Trust Arktikugol to look after the crew and passengers.

"Russia cannot evade responsibility simply by refusing to comply with an international arbitral award," said Sergii Fedorenko, acting CEO of Naftogaz.

"We insist on the immediate release of the vessel and on ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew," said Nikolai Korchunov, Russia’s ambassador to Norway.

Russia lodged a formal complaint with Norway and summoned the Norwegian ambassador in Moscow, stating it would pursue the ship’s release through legal channels. Meanwhile, Norway’s Justice Ministry noted that the case could be reassessed by the district court if Russia requests it.

The Professor Molchanov, a repurposed research ship carrying Russian scientists, arrived in Barentsburg on Tuesday. According to a Russian media outlet, the seizure has not affected the expedition’s participants, and no arrests have been made. The vessel is currently prohibited from leaving the port, though the duration of the restriction remains unclear.