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.
The Nord-Troms District Court has, in a ruling on 31.8.2026, granted the Ukrainian company Naftogaz the right to seize the Russian ship "Professor Molchanov" which is now docked in Barentsburg on Svalbard.
The legal process and ruling are part of the company's fight to recover funds that were expropriated by Russia in 2014.
The Governor of Svalbard is the bailiff and, following an order from the Nord-Troms District Court, has seized the ship on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The ship has been ordered by the district court to dock at a location determined by the Governor, and it has been decided that the vessel will dock in Barentsburg until the Governor or Nord-Troms District Court decides otherwise.
The Governor will take care of the crew and passengers on board the vessel in collaboration with Trust Arcticugol.