Norwegian shipping company Silver Sea transports Russian fish via bays in Svalbard to the Netherlands. Image: NRK
In a recent development, Bergen-based shipping company Silver Sea has undertaken the transportation of Russian fish from Svalbard to the Netherlands, bypassing restrictions imposed on Russian vessels.
This is according to a report published by Norwegian news outlet NRK, who carried out an investigation into the activities of the company.
New Transit Path for Russian Fish
Eemshaven, a crucial transit port in the Netherlands for fish from the Barents Sea, has recently been closed to Russian vessels due to concerns about espionage. This closure left a significant gap in the supply chain, which Silver Sea has now filled by transporting the fish under the Norwegian flag.
Background and Operational Details
In mid-May, the Netherlands closed Eemshaven to Russian ships. The decision was driven by fears of Russian espionage. Eemshaven has been Europe’s primary receiving port for Russian fish.
With the ban in place, Silver Sea took on the task of transporting the fish. The Bergen shipping company has long-standing business relations with Russian partners, seeing its revenue increase from NOK 557 million (€49 million/£42 million) in 2021 to NOK 883 million (€78 million/£67 million) in 2022. The company’s profits doubled from NOK 66 million (€5.8 million/£5 million) to NOK 127 million (€11.2 million/£9.6 million) in the same period.
Tormod Bo Fossmark, CEO of Silver Sea, emphasized that Norwegian regulations do not prohibit the transport of Russian fish. “Norwegian authorities have not imposed restrictions on trade with Russian fish, and we adhere to existing regulations,” said Fossmark. He also noted that fish and food items are exempt from sanctions and that Norwegian ships are allowed access to Dutch ports for fish delivery.
Shipping Operations and Regulatory Compliance
The Silver Sea vessel, Silver Copenhagen, collected the fish from Svalbard and transported it to the Netherlands. Despite the 14 May incident where the Russian vessel Belomorye was denied entry to Eemshaven, the Russian company Norebo contacted Silver Sea for assistance, which was readily provided. The task involved loading 2,235 tonnes of Russian fish and transporting it to the Netherlands.
The Norwegian ship, registered under the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), has a cargo capacity of 3,500 tonnes. Both the Russian and Norwegian vessels stayed in Svalbard until May 23, after which the Russian ship returned to Murmansk, and Silver Copenhagen headed to the Netherlands, arriving on June 6.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Fossmark maintains that the transportation of Russian fish does not contravene any regulations, as fish and foodstuffs are not subject to sanctions. He affirmed that both Norwegian and Dutch authorities were informed of the operations.
However, the situation has sparked debate. Alfred Bjørlo, a Norwegian parliamentarian, has questioned whether the government will address the loophole allowing Russian economic activities indirectly.
Challenges and Implications
The use of Russian and Ukrainian crew members on Norwegian vessels raises additional concerns. While there is a shortage of Norwegian seafarers, leading to reliance on foreign crew, this practice may pose security risks.
The closure of Eemshaven to Russian vessels was motivated by the port’s strategic importance, which includes hosting transatlantic internet cables and a planned NATO ammunition depot.
Conclusion
The Norwegian shipping industry’s involvement in transporting Russian fish highlights the complex interplay of international regulations, economic interests, and ethical considerations. Silver Sea’s operations underscore the adaptability and resilience of the shipping sector in navigating geopolitical challenges.