Government of Norway announced on the introduction of sanctions against key Russian fishing companies — Norebo Joint Stock Company and Murman Seafood LLC. From now on, the vessels of these companies are prohibited from fishing in Norway’s territorial waters and entering its ports.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Bart Eide said that these measures are part of a strategy to counter the increased activity of Russian special services and the so-called “hybrid campaign” that Moscow is conducting against Western countries.
He also noted that Russian companies are linked to Kremlin-funded operations aimed at monitoring critical underwater infrastructure in the waters of Norway and its allies. Such actions, according to the minister, can create conditions for sabotage and pose a threat to national security.
On the continental shelf of Norway is located one of the largest networks of pipelines, telecommunications and energy cables in Europe, connecting the country with other countries. The protection of this infrastructure is carried out in cooperation with NATO. Norwegian authorities stressed that the introduced restrictions will soon be enshrined in national legislation.
Back in May 2025, the companies “Norebo” and “Murman Seafood” were included in the EU sanctions list. In the relevant documents of the European Union, it is stated that the fishing vessels of both companies operate in the Barents and Norwegian seas, simultaneously performing reconnaissance tasks directed against civilian and military infrastructure. According to the EU Council, some trawlers are used for covert intelligence gathering, and Norebo’s vessels are equipped with technologies capable of performing espionage functions.
