Apartment fire
There is a fire in an apartment building in road 232 in Longyearbyen. The fire brigade is working to extinguish the fire.
Published 1/16/2024
Foreign shipping company fined NOK 100,000
A foreign shipping company has been fined NOK 100,000 for failing to notify the Governor of planned tours within the deadline, as well as a fine for violating the traffic ban in the Bjørnøya nature reserve. The fine has been approved.
Published 1/15/2024
Helicopter inspection of glaciers
This autumn, the Governor flew by helicopter over glacier areas where there is a lot of traffic, especially in winter.
Published 1/12/2024
Apply digitally for a passenger carrying vehicle driver’s licence
The Governor of Svalbard is introducing a digital application form for passenger carrying vehicle driver’s licence.
Published 12/29/2023
The Svalbard Environment Act on fuel requirements for motor transport at sea
From 1 January 2024, it is no longer legal for vessels traveling with bulk cargo to or from Longyearbyen and Barentsburg to use or have on board petroleum-based fuel with a higher viscosity, density or solidification point than permitted for marine gas oil.
Published 12/22/2023
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We are entering the Christmas season and yesterday's polar bear tracks near the town are a reminder that there may be polar bears in the area, so everyone going out on a trip during Christmas must take precautions.
Published 12/21/2023
Polar bear in Adventdalen
Fresh polar bear tracks have been observed in Adventdalen, approx. 250 meters out into the valley from the Longyearbyen dog yard. The tracks go in the direction of Justisen/Mälardalen. The Governor is now trying to locate the bear and urges the public to stay away from the area.
Published 12/14/2023
Never give your bank ID or password to anyone
The Governor has received inquiries about fraud of people in Longyearbyen. You should never give your bank ID or password to the police or other actors who call you.
Published 11/22/2023
NOK 100,000 fine for violating traffic ban in bird reserves
A local tourism company has been fined NOK 100,000 for violating the provision that all traffic in bird reserves is prohibited between 15 May and 15 August. The fine has been accepted.
Published 11/21/2023
Great avalanche danger on Svalbard Wednesday 22 November
NVE has notified that a high avalanche danger is expected - danger level 4 - on Wednesday 22 November in the region of Nordenskiöld Land and Svalbard east, west and south. There is no increased risk of avalanches in Longyearbyen itself according to the NGI avalanche forecast.