ARCTIC SWAN

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Russian Security Police has different version about detention

The Russian Security Police (FSB) has a different version than the owner of the "Arctic Swan" about why the trawler was ordered to Murmansk. The FSB said on Apr 2 that the "Arctic Swan" had been engaged in illegal fishing in Russian waters off Ajonovskijøyene, near Fiskerhalvøyaand, near the Russian border in an area regularly used for military activity. It allegedly broke the rules for Russian fishing. Most likely, the trawler will remain docked in Murmansk for several days to come while the case goes on. The Norwegian shipowner has claimed that the trawler was not arrested by the Russian Coastguard, but that it sailed to Murmansk after being ordered for controls after only a few days on shrimp fishing. The vessel has reported the correct quantity, but there was uncertainty related to the correct use of the conversion factor, according to the owner Einar Jan Remøy, and the Russian authorities have indicated that it was a matter of formal error. It remained to be clarified what these possibly consisted of. He emphasized that any violations that may be were of a more administrative nature than offenses. The trawler was released on Apil 6 and left the port of Murmansk at 1 a.m. At 1.35 p.m. it berthed in Kirkenes

Trawler still in Murmansk

The "Arctic Swan" remained stationary at the quay Murmansk on Apr 2, after it was ordered to the port for a check of the catch when it sailed out of the Russian zone on March 29. The trade association Fiskebåt assists the shipping company in the case. The trawler had been fishing for a couple of days, but had to abort the voyage because of engine problems. There was talk of an uncertainty related about the correct use of conversion factor, but the shipping company stated to have reported the correct quantity to the authorities. The General Consultation in Murmansk also assisted in the case. The "Arctic Swan" has a crew of 17 people. The engine problems that caused the trawler to stop fishing will be investigated at a yard after the ship got permission to leave Murmansk.

Trawler detained following engine trouble

The "Arctic Swan" has been arrested on March 27, 2019, in Murmansk. The case may be linked to errors with catch calculation for quota factor on shrimp. Upon the departure from the Russian zone in the Barents Sea the trawler was ordered to head to Murmansk for controls in the evening of March 26. The vessel had been fishing only for a few days after having sailed from Tromsø on March 19, but had to interrupt the fishing due to an engine problem. The vessel has reported the correct quantity, but there was uncertainty related to the correct use of the conversion factor. The Norwegian Consulate General in Murmansk provided consular assistance to the captain and crew, and was in contact with the ship's agent on site. Further information in the case was expected from the Russian authorities' side. The owner Einar Jan Remøyhope hoped the vessel would be able to fish again quickly. As a formal error has been made, the shipping company must assume responsibility for it, but the correct quantity has been reported for the few days that the trawler was fishing in the Russian zone. The crew was said to be doing well.