Norwegian authorities have seized the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov at the port of Barentsburg in Svalbard at the request of Ukraine’s Naftogaz Group.

Axar.az reports, citing Naftogaz Group's website, that the seizure was ordered by the Nord-Troms and Senja District Court on August 31, 2026, as part of efforts to enforce an arbitral award requiring Russia to pay Naftogaz and other Group companies approximately $4.22 billion, plus interest and costs, over the unlawful expropriation of their assets in Crimea.

The arbitral award had previously been recognized as enforceable in Norway.

The Professor Molchanov, owned by the Russian Federation, is used for commercial expedition cruises, including voyages to Svalbard. Under the court order, the vessel cannot leave its current location, and the Governor of Svalbard has been instructed to prevent it from being moved.

“This is another important step towards restoring justice for Russia’s unlawful seizure of Naftogaz assets in Crimea. Russia cannot evade responsibility simply by refusing to comply with an international arbitral award,” Naftogaz Acting CEO Sergii Fedorenko said.

Norwegian authorities are handling matters concerning passengers currently on board.

It should be noted that Professor Molchanov has operated regular cargo-passenger services to Svalbard since June 2025. The vessel made its first voyage from Murmansk to the archipelago in March this year.