The vessel was detained in Svalbard by order of a Norwegian court
Norwegian authorities have granted the request of Naftogaz Group and arrested the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov in the port of Barentsburg on Svalbard. The measure was taken as part of the enforcement of a $4.22 billion arbitration award regarding the expropriation of assets in Crimea. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from Naftogaz.
The interim seizure of the vessel was imposed based on a ruling by the Nord-Troms and Senja District Court issued on August 31, 2026. The specified amount covers the principal debt, as well as accrued interest and legal costs.
Previously, the aforementioned arbitration award successfully underwent the procedure for recognition and enforcement in Norway. The vessel Professor Molchanov is owned by the Russian Federation and is used for commercial expedition cruises, particularly in the Svalbard region.
Ban on vessel movement
According to the court order, the watercraft is prohibited from leaving its current mooring location. Enforcement of this restriction and the prevention of any movement have been assigned to the Governor of Svalbard.
The further fate of the passengers on board is currently being determined by the competent authorities of the Norwegian government. The interests of the Ukrainian company in the jurisdiction of Norway are protected by the law firm Wikborg Rein together with international legal counsel Covington & Burling LLP.
Search for assets abroad
“This is another important step toward restoring justice for Russia’s illegal seizure of Naftogaz’s assets in Crimea. Russia cannot avoid liability simply by refusing to comply with an international arbitration award. We will continue to track down Russian assets worldwide until the compensation awarded to Naftogaz and other Naftogaz Group companies is paid in full,” stated Serhii Fedorenko, Acting CEO of Naftogaz.
The management team of Naftogaz Group expressed gratitude to the state institutions of Norway for their effective assistance in holding the Russian Federation accountable. The process is being implemented as part of executing the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding damages for lost property in annexed Crimea.
Photo: Naftogaz
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