Norway seizes Russian vessel following Naftogaz application to enforce $4.22 billion award

The seizure was ordered by the Nord-Troms and Senja District Court on 31 August, 2026, to secure enforcement of the Russian Federation’s outstanding obligations under the arbitral award, amounting to approximately $4.22 billion plus interest and costs.

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

The Professor Molchanov vessel is owned by the Russian Federation and is used for commercial expedition cruises, including to Svalbard.

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. We will continue to pursue Russian assets around the world until the compensation awarded to Naftogaz and other Naftogaz Group companies is paid,” said Naftogaz’s Acting CEO Sergii Fedorenko.

Under the court order, the vessel may not leave its current location. The Governor of Svalbard is required to take the necessary measures to prevent the vessel from being moved.

Matters concerning the passengers currently on board are being handled by the Norwegian authorities.

Naftogaz is represented in Norway by law firm Wikborg Rein and international legal counsel Covington & Burling LLP.

Naftogaz Group thanks the Norwegian authorities for their assistance in holding the Russian Federation accountable through the enforcement of the international arbitral award.