Norway Expels Russian Fishing Vessel For Security Reasons

Norway Expels A Russian Fishing Vessel For Security Reasons

Norway has expelled a Russian fishing vessel that overstayed its stay at the port of Batsfjord. The decision was made at the King’s Council on December 6, with MPs citing security reasons.

The 39-meter Azurite has been docked at Batsfjord since May, but the reason for staying so long is unclear. However, media reports said that the Norwegian company Indistrikulde AS carried out repair work on the ship, which cost $96,000. The amount has not yet been settled, resulting in the ship’s detention. However, the government has instructed that no public or private claims should prevent the ship from leaving the port.

Azurit is registered under the Russian company Oceanprom, and its home port is St. Petersburg.

“The captain/owner is requested to ensure that the vessel Azurit leaves the port of Batsfjord within five working days of the announcement of this decision. If the vessel does not leave the port within the prescribed period, the Norwegian authorities will be ordered to tow it out to sea,” said a Norwegian government statement.

However, ship tracking websites show that the Azurit has not left the Barentsfjord as of Saturday morning. Norwegian newspaper The Barents Observer reported that the captain of the Azurite team received the expulsion order on December 9. On this basis, Trond Nielsen, deputy chief of the Finnmark District Police, said that the calculation of the five-day grace period began when the captain was notified.

“So, from Saturday the 14th, we have the right to take the necessary measures,” Nielsen told the Barents Observer.

In October 2022, Norway restricted Russian fishing boats to only three ports: Kirkenes, Betsfjord, and Tromsø. This is part of Norway’s economic sanctions against Russia due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In July, Norway also implemented stricter regulations for unloading Russian fishing boats in these three ports. The new rules include time limits, and Russian ships can stay in any port for five working days. In addition, ships will face stricter scrutiny from customs, police, and armed forces. Specifically, Norway said it will increase police activity in the Port of Barentsfjord and ensure closer information exchange between customs and police.