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Russian Vessel Seized in Norway Over Moscow’s $4.22 Billion Debt to Ukraine’s Naftogaz
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Norwegian authorities have seized the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov at the port of Barentsburg in Svalbard following a request from Ukraine’s Naftogaz Group as part of efforts to enforce a $4.22 billion arbitration award against Russia.
According to the Nafrogaz on September 2, the seizure was ordered by the Nord-Troms and Senja District Court on August 31, 2026, to secure Russia’s outstanding obligations under an international arbitration ruling related to the unlawful expropriation of Naftogaz assets in Crimea following Russia’s 2014 annexation of the peninsula.
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According to Naftogaz, Russia owes approximately $4.22 billion in principal under the award, in addition to interest and legal costs. The arbitration ruling had previously been recognized as enforceable in Norway.
The Professor Molchanov is owned by the Russian Federation and is used for commercial expedition cruises, including voyages to Svalbard, Naftogaz said.
Under the Norwegian court order, the vessel is prohibited from leaving its current location. The Governor of Svalbard has been instructed to take the necessary measures to prevent the ship from being moved.
“Russia cannot evade responsibility simply by refusing to comply with an international arbitration award. We will continue to search for Russian assets around the world until the compensation awarded to Naftogaz and other Naftogaz Group companies is paid,” said Serhii Fedorenko, Acting Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz.
Norwegian authorities are handling matters concerning passengers currently aboard the vessel, according to Naftogaz.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized Norway’s seizure of the Professor Molchanov following a request from Ukraine’s state-owned Naftogaz Group, describing the move as “piracy.”
The seizure drew criticism from Moscow, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry describing Norway’s move as “piracy.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova challenged the legality of the decision in comments to TASS, arguing that Western countries had effectively abandoned legitimate legal procedures.
Zakharova claimed that such disputes might previously have been treated as legal matters involving claims that could be contested through courts or arbitration, but accused the West of having now “lifted the veil from piracy.” She also said Russia would not abandon its citizens who remain aboard the vessel.
The seizure comes amid broader international efforts targeting Russian-linked and sanctioned maritime assets. The US government sold two sanctioned oil tankers that had been seized earlier this year, with the vessels set to be dismantled in India.
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