Norway detains Russian research vessel Professor Molchanov in Svalbard

A Russian research and expedition vessel has been detained in Norway. The Professor Molchanov, owned by the Russian Federation and operated by Russia's federal meteorological service Roshydromet, was detained in Barentsburg on the Svalbard archipelago on September 2. The vessel remained in port on the morning of September 3, according to vessel-tracking data and Norwegian authorities. The detention followed a ruling by Norway's Nord-Troms and Senja District Court on August 31. The court granted Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz the right to seize the vessel as part of efforts to enforce a $4.22 billion arbitration award against Russia, plus interest and costs. The award concerns the expropriation of assets belonging to Naftogaz and other companies in Crimea following Russia's 2014 annexation of the peninsula. The award had previously been recognized as enforceable in Norway. Under the court order, the Professor Molchanov cannot leave its current location. The Governor of Svalbard, acting as the enforcement authority, ordered the vessel to remain in Barentsburg until further instructions from the governor or the court. Norwegian authorities are also responsible for assisting the crew and passengers on board in cooperation with the Russian mining company Arktikugol (Arctic Coal).