The Russian fishing vessel Melkart-3 has recently been operating in the waters near Svalbard. This activity takes place against the backdrop of sanctions imposed on its owner, Murman Seafood, by Norway. These sanctions restrict the company from entering the 200-nautical mile zone off the Norwegian coast for fishing.
Background on Sanctions Against Murman Seafood
Murman Seafood was included in the EU’s 17th sanction package due to unusual navigation practices near vital infrastructure and military exercises. The EU Council document, published on May 20, 2025, highlighted the vessel Melkart-5. It noted its suspicious navigation patterns close to a subsea cable in the Norwegian North Sea, where it crossed the cable multiple times just before its damage.
Melkart-3’s Activities
Melkart-3, a sister ship of Melkart-5, has been observed trawling in waters off the west coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. According to tracking data from January 7 to January 21, 2025, the vessel has not entered the Norwegian economic zone during this period.
- January 7-21, 2025: Melkart-3’s route tracked outside Norwegian economic zone.
- Location: Navigated east and west of Bear Island and southwest of Spitsbergen.
Fishing Regulations and Territorial Waters
Geir Hønneland, a Senior Researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, states that Norwegian sanctions do not apply to fishing in Svalbard’s Fisheries Protection Zone. He explains that Russia does not formally recognize this zone, making it unlikely for Russian vessels to obtain fishing licenses there.
According to Hønneland, both Murman Seafood and the second sanctioned company, Norebo, can legally fish outside Svalbard’s coast. While Russia does not acknowledge the zone, Hønneland notes that Russian vessels typically adhere to Norwegian regulations and agree to inspections by the Norwegian Coast Guard.
Current Fishing Activity and Ownership Issues
In January, fishing activities near the Norwegian coast tend to decrease, with Russian vessels primarily operating outside Troms and Finnmark. As spring approaches, their fishing efforts shift northward toward Svalbard’s waters. A Russian vessel, Kapitan Durachenko, has also been observed recently, having sailed from the Norwegian coast to Svalbard.
- Kapitan Durachenko’s ownership has changed multiple times in the last ten years.
- Previously owned by Norebo, it was confirmed by Norebo that they no longer have any connection to the vessel.
Concerns Over Intelligence Gathering
Geir Hønneland explains that the Law of the Sea permits vessels passage through exclusive economic zones. Norway cannot restrict Russian vessels from transiting through these waters. However, the sanctions against Murman Seafood and Norebo were motivated by concerns over potential intelligence gathering activities. The EU Council documented that Melkart-5 exhibited abnormal behavior inconsistent with regular fishing practices.
In 2022, Melkart-5 was noted for its recurring crossings over a subsea fiber optic cable before it sustained damage. In addition, the crew faced legal issues for activities near a restricted military area. With 115 Russian vessels recently granted permission to fish in the Norwegian economic zone for 2026, the dynamics of fishing in this contested region continue to evolve.
The situation surrounding the Russian vessels, particularly Melkart-3, remains closely monitored. As Norway and Russia navigate their fishing agreements, the implications of sanctions and international fishing regulations will be critical to watch in the coming months.
