Russian Cruise Ship Seized in Norway

Norwegian authorities have seized the Russian cruise ship Professor Molchanov in Svalbard on behalf of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz.

A Norwegian court ordered the seizure as Naftogaz seeks to enforce a $4.22bn compensation award for assets Moscow took when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

Moscow has accused Norway of “piracy”, while Russia has said it plans to appeal the ruling. The Professor Molchanov, which was carrying passengers and supplies to the Arctic archipelago, remains in Barentsburg, one of two Russian settlements on Svalbard.

Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said authorities would provide necessary assistance to Russian citizens affected by the seizure and were complying with the country’s international obligations. Russian companies regularly receive sanctions relief to ensure imports of food and other essential goods to the islands, the ministry added.

(Reuters, mja)