Norway Seizes Russian Fishing Vessel That Was To Leave Port of Batsfjord Last Winter

Norway has seized a Russian fishing vessel after it was repeatedly asked to leave the port, but did not comply with the orders.

The government states that the claims of Port of Batsfjord will be taken into account, but the vessel has to be removed from the port as soon as possible.

The 39 m long fishing vessel Azruit docked in the Port of Batsfjord, a remote fishing village in Norway’s north coast along the Barents Sea. It is registered in Russia, with its home port being St. Petersburg.

The ship underwent repairs from a local company, but did not pay its bills and was detained with the crew remaining aboard.

Norway changed its laws, which limited access for Russian ships to its ports beginning in 2022 and again in 2024.

Russian vessels could only access 3 ports, Kirkenes, Batsfjord, and Tromso, and some Russian companies were denied fishing permits altogether.

Additionally, Russian ships could stay in the country’s ports for 5 days. The government asserted that financial claims were not the reason for the ships to remain in the port beyond a certain time period.

Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Naess, said that the fishing vessel must be removed immediately from the Batsfjord Harbour. After trying for months to make it go away, nothing worked, and hence it was vital to decide on the state takeover of the vessel.

He added that the ship’s prolonged stay could threaten national security interests.

Norway had expelled the ship on December 6, 2025, telling that it must leave within 5 days, but the captain told the media that they had a detention order and an eviction notice.

The Ministry said that they tried various solutions, including trying to tow the vessel, but it did not leave. The police also tried to secure the ship; however, it still did not leave.

Per reports, the vessel owes around $200,000 to the port authorities and local businesses. It is in poor condition, and the state will cover the berthing fees.

The vessel will likely be towed to a local shipyard and dismantled.

Source: Maritime Shipping News