Despite heightened geopolitical tensions and Western sanctions, Norway remains an important stopover point for LNG tankers transporting gas from the Russian Arctic. As the analysis portal High North News reports, ships involved in Russian energy projects continue to make use of Norwegian port infrastructure, particularly for crew changes and logistical supplies.
Although direct transshipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Arctic Yamal project in Norwegian waters ended five years ago, transit by tankers connected to Russia continues. A recent example is the LNG tanker Merak, sailing under the Hong Kong flag. The vessel, which transports gas from the Yamal LNG project, was recorded off the coast of Honningsvåg in the Nordkapp region on 13 and 14 September. The Merak remained near the port for around 18 hours before setting course for Yamal again.
Norwegian authorities emphasize that there is currently no legal basis to deny entry into Norwegian territorial waters or access to onshore services to non-sanctioned Russian ships. This means that crew changes, supplies, or short stopovers remain permitted as long as the vessels do not directly violate EU or national sanctions regulations.
At the same time, operators of the Russian LNG fleet are facing growing logistical challenges. Several European service companies are now refusing to maintain tankers used for the Yamal project. As the environmental organization Bellona reported in its August digest, the Dutch company Damen Shiprepair has ceased all maintenance work on ships from the Yamal LNG program. As a result, some of these specialized tankers must now undergo docking and repairs in China, leading to longer routes, higher costs, and additional operational risks.
The continued transit through Norwegian ports underscores the complex situation in the energy and sanctions landscape: while Norway is legally obliged to allow certain ships to pass, pressure on the Russian LNG supply chain continues to mount due to voluntary restrictions imposed by European companies.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal