Caught by 'Eagle Eye': Russian Ship Seized to Settle Debts
Norway has seized the Russian expedition vessel Professor Molchanov in the Arctic region to assist the Ukrainian energy company, Naftogaz, in claiming compensation for assets seized by Russia in Crimea. The value of the compensation ruling reaches US$4.22 billion, or approximately Rp74.27 trillion.
The seizure took place late on the night of 2 September in Barentsburg, a Russian-operated coal mining settlement in the Svalbard archipelago, under the provisions of the 1920 Svalbard Treaty. Russia immediately condemned the move as an act of piracy and summoned the Norwegian ambassador to lodge a strong protest.
The Russian Foreign Ministry assessed that Norway’s policy towards Russian activities in Svalbard has violated international law.
“Russian organisations and citizens operating in the archipelago are essentially in a state of blockade,” the ministry stated in its announcement, as quoted by Reuters on Friday (4/9/2026).
On the other hand, the Governor of Svalbard, Lars Fause, stated that Norway is prepared to assist the crew and passengers of the ship who wish to return to Russia.
“We are establishing communication with the leadership of Barentsburg and are ready to find ways to return those people to Russia safely,” he told TV2.
The Norwegian Ministry of Justice emphasised that the dispute over the ship is a matter between Naftogaz and Russia, rather than a conflict involving the Oslo government. The seizure order was issued by a district court on 31 August, requiring the Governor of Svalbard to ensure the ship is not moved.
Naftogaz has been pursuing legal processes since 2016 to obtain compensation for its assets taken by Russia following the occupation of Crimea. In April 2023, an arbitration court in The Hague ordered Russia to pay US$4.22 billion, plus interest and legal costs, but Moscow has refused to recognise the court’s jurisdiction and has stated it will not pay.
“Russia cannot evade responsibility simply by refusing to comply with international arbitration rulings,” said Naftogaz Acting CEO Sergii Fedorenko.
Naftogaz lawyer, Clovis Trevino from Covington, estimates that Russia will challenge the seizure in court. According to him, Russia’s total liability to Naftogaz now reaches approximately US$6 billion, or Rp105.6 trillion, after accounting for interest and costs.
“We need to win one more legal battle so that we can auction the ship and secure funds for our client; that is the primary goal,” he said.
The Professor Molchanov arrived in Barentsburg on 1 September, carrying a group of Russian scientists. The 71-metre vessel, built in Finland in 1982, can carry 32 crew members and 52 passengers and is used for scientific expeditions and commercial voyages. Naftogaz stated it will continue to pursue Russian assets in various countries until the compensation ruling is paid.