Faroes officials delay vote on sanctions against Russian firms Norebo and Murman Seafood amid fears of collapsing crucial fishing quota deal
Bill Against Russian Shipping Giants Delayed
The Government of the Faroe Islands is currently navigating a significant political and economic decision regarding the introduction of sanctions against Russian fishing companies Norebo JSC and Murman Seafood.
The bill, submitted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirið Stenberg on August 14, 2025, aims to amend existing law to grant the government powers to blacklist these two companies.
However, a month after its submission, the bill remains without an opinion from the Foreign Affairs Committee, signaling a major rift within the nation. Committee Chairman Bjarni Hammer has requested an extension of the deadline, with the committee aiming to come up with a final opinion in October.
Aligned with European Allies
The proposed legislation is a direct response to similar measures taken by the Faroe Islands’ European allies.
The European Union, Norway, and Iceland have already imposed sanctions on Norebo and Murman Seafood, based on allegations that their vessels have been involved in a Russian state-sponsored surveillance campaign targeting critical underwater infrastructure.
The Faroese government must now decide whether to align with its allies or prioritise domestic economic stability.
Industry Crisis Warning over Quotas
The bill is causing alarm within the nation’s vital fishing sector. Hanus Hansen, Chairman of the Faroe Islands Shipowners’ Association, has publicly warned of a potential crisis.
His primary concern is that blacklisting these companies, which may hold a significant portion of the quota, could lead to Russia refusing to negotiate a new fisheries agreement with the Faroes.
Hansen stated that if the sanctions are implemented, there is a risk that “Russia will not enter into a new agreement with the Faroese,” threatening the stability of the entire fishing industry.
Companies Reject Surveillance Allegations
Both targeted companies, Murman Seafood and Norebo JSC, have strongly rejected the allegations of illegal activity or state-sponsored surveillance. Norebo has called the sanctions “groundless” and based on “unverified allegations,” maintaining that it is a “non-political” company focused solely on seafood delivery.
Similarly, Murman Seafood dismissed the suggestions as “unjustified and damaging,” calling the allegations the “fruit of the imagination and fabrications.”
Policy Tension Requires Extended Deadline
The Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday to consider the proposal. Chairman Bjarni Hammer confirmed that the recent drone incidents in Denmark do not affect the committee’s deliberation on the bill.
The delay underscores the growing tension for the Faroe Islands: balancing the need to act in concert with European partners against the imperative of safeguarding the economic interests of its fishing industry.
The path forward will determine the nation’s geopolitical and economic trajectory.
