Governor of Svalbard

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New Field operation safety regulations in Svalbard from 1 January 2026 New environmental regulations from 1 January 2025 Drones on Svalbard Laws and regulations

9/28/2026

Conducting firearm inspections in Longyearbyen

The Governor will conduct firearm inspections of gun owners in Longyearbyen during the dark season. Affected gun owners will be notified at least 3 days before the inspection is carried out.

9/25/2026

Jens Olav Vestgøte Sæther appointed new governor

The government has appointed Chief Public Prosecutor Jens Olav Vestgøte Sæther (58) as the new Governor of Svalbard. He comes from the position of Chief Public Prosecutor at the Oslo Public Prosecutor's Office.

9/9/2026

Large exercise in Longyearbyen 10 September

On Thursday 10 September, there will be a large emergency preparedness and rescue exercise in Longyearbyen. Parts of the exercise will be visible to the public.

9/8/2026

Russian passengers back in Russia

The Governor, in cooperation with the Russian authorities, has assisted in getting the passengers who were supposed to sail on the "Professor Molchanov" back to Russia.

9/2/2026

Russian ship seized in Svalbard

The Governor of Svalbard has today, following an order from the Nord-Troms District Court, arrested the Russian ship "Professor Molchanov" which is docked in Barentsburg. The arrest was carried out after the Nord-Troms District Court granted the Ukrainian company Naftogaz the right to seize the Russian ship.

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