Months-Long Standoff Ends With State Takeover
Norway has seized the Russian fishing vessel Azurit after repeated orders to leave the Port of Båtsfjord went unheeded, citing unpaid debts, regulatory breaches, and national security risks. The 39-meter vessel, registered in St. Petersburg and owned by the company Oceanprom, had been docked in the northern Barents Sea port since May 2024.
Initially arriving for repairs, the Azurit failed to settle bills reportedly totaling nearly $200,000. Despite a government expulsion order on December 6 requiring departure within five days, the ship remained in port. The captain complained of receiving both a detention order and an eviction notice, leaving the crew confused. Authorities attempted towing solutions and even police intervention, but the vessel refused to leave.
Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss declared that the state had no choice but to seize the vessel:
“This vessel must be removed from Båtsfjord harbour. After considering and trying various solutions, it was now absolutely necessary to make a decision on the state takeover of the vessel.”
The Norwegian Coastal Administration has been tasked with removing the ship, while the remaining Russian crew will be required to leave Norway.
Stricter Regulations and Security Concerns
Norway first restricted Russian access to its ports in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, later tightening the rules in July 2024. Russian vessels are now limited to Båtsfjord, Tromsø, and Kirkenes, with port stays capped at five days. Some Russian fishing companies, including Murmansk-based Norebo and Murman Seafood, were also banned from Norwegian ports and denied access to the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone.
Officials warned that prolonged Russian vessel stays could threaten security. Minister Sivertsen Næss said the Azurit’s presence posed “a risk of national security interests being threatened.” Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide previously accused Russian fishing companies of participating in surveillance and intelligence-gathering campaigns targeting critical underwater infrastructure, potentially laying groundwork for sabotage.
Parliamentarian Ola Elvestuen has gone further, urging Norway to close all ports to Russian vessels entirely.
Financial Fallout and Next Steps
The Azurit’s extended stay has burdened Båtsfjord, with unpaid invoices to local businesses and mounting berthing fees. The state has pledged to cover port costs during the process. The vessel, reported to be in poor technical condition, will likely be towed to a local shipyard for dismantling.
Russia, in turn, has threatened to block Norwegian fishing vessels from accessing the eastern Barents Sea and warned that the escalating dispute could undermine the 50-year-old bilateral fishery agreement that regulates shared quotas.
The seizure of the Azurit highlights Norway’s determination to enforce sanctions and maritime regulations amid rising tensions with Russia. The case reflects wider European concerns over hybrid threats at sea and underscores the fragile balance between maritime security and fisheries cooperation in the Barents region.
