Arktikugol Switches Supply Routes After Ship Arrest in Norway
The Russian trust 'Arktikugol' activated alternative supply routes to deliver coal to the settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramida on Spitsbergen after Norwegian authorities arrested the ship 'Professor Molchanov' on September 2. The arrest was based on a Ukrainian company's request to enforce an arbitration award for $4.22 billion.
Consensus
- The Russian trust 'Arktikugol' has activated alternative supply routes for coal delivery to Barentsburg and Pyramida on Spitzbergen.
- The ship 'Professor Molchanov' was arrested by Norwegian authorities on September 2 in the port of Barentsburg.
- The arrest was based on a request from the Ukrainian state company 'Naftogaz' to enforce an arbitration award of approximately $4.22 billion.
- The 'Professor Molchanov' is a Russian research vessel used for connections with 'Arktikugol' operations.
- The Russian government intends to challenge the Norwegian court's decision.
- The alternative supply routes are described as more expensive and significantly more complex than the previous scheme.
- There is no immediate threat to the basic functioning of the settlements on Spitsbergen.
Points of divergence
- All passengers and part of the crew of the 'Professor Molchanov' have been returned to their home country and then sent to Murmansk after crossing the Norway-Russia border. — fontanka
- The 'Professor Molchanov' was used for communication with 'Arktikugol' enterprises, according to the head of the Ministry of the Development of the Russian Far East, Alexei Chekunkov. — kommersant
Coverage (2 sources)
- Arktikul switched to alternative supply routes for Svalbard after ship arrest in Norway — Фонтанка
- Arktikugol launched alternative supply routes to Svalbard after arrest of Russian vessel — Коммерсантъ