The Norwegian government has decided to list two Russian fishing companies Norebo JSC and Murman Seafood. With this decision, Norway aligns itself with the sanctions adopted by the EU on 20th May, in the same way as it has previously aligned with other EU sanctions against Russia.
‘Recently we have seen increasingly aggressive Russian hybrid campaigns against allied nations. This trend is expected to continue. As a basis for the listings, the EU points to the fact that the two fishing companies Norebo JSC og Murman Seafood are part of a Russian state-sponsored surveillance campaign and intelligence activity targeting critical underwater infrastructure in Norwegian and allied maritime areas. Such activity may facilitate future sabotage operations and threaten important Norwegian security policy interests,’ said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
He stated that sanctions are one of the most important tools the international community has to respond to Russia’s violations of international law and to limit Russia’s freedom of action, and that it is important to stand together with the EU and other allies to ensure that the sanctions are strong and effective.
The move is also in line with Norway’s National Security Strategy, which emphasises that Norway will further strengthen its ability to protect and repair critical infrastructure on the continental shelf, in close cooperation with allies.
Norwegian authorities, including the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Service, and the Police Security Service (PST), work to prevent and deter espionage and sabotage attempts.
On 20th May, the EU adopted new listings under its restrictive measures in light of Russia’s destabilising activities, also known as the hybrid sanctions regime. This sanctions framework was established in October 2024 with a focus on Russian hybrid activities directed at the EU, international organisations, or third countries. The aim of the hybrid regime is to limit Russia’s room for manoeuvre by countering aggressive hybrid campaigns against allies, such as sabotage, cable cuts, cyber activities, disinformation, and attempts to undermine fundamental democratic values. The sanctions regime has been implemented in Norwegian law through the Regulation of 14th March 2025, on restrictive measures in light of Russia’s destabilising activities.
The listing of the two seafood companies entails an obligation to freeze funds and assets belonging to, owned, held, or controlled by the entities, as well as a prohibition against making funds and assets available to or for the benefit of the listed entities.
Vessels from the two companies will lose access to Norwegian ports and territorial waters. Licenses for fishing in the Norwegian economic zone will not be granted to vessels from the two companies. These listings will be implemented into Norwegian law as soon as possible.
