Fined for breaking sea ice

On 1 January 2025, a ban on breaking continuous land-based sea ice in Svalbard came into force, cf. the regulations on motor traffic in Svalbard Section 12 a.

Several witnesses and the Governor's field inspectors observed a ship breaking sea ice in Tempelfjorden in the spring of 2025. The incident was reported and investigated. The captain of the ship has been fined NOK 40,000 for the violation. The fine has been accepted.