In Kirkines, Norwegian Shipyard Oversight and Russian Fishing Boats
A report from the Norwegian press describes ongoing operations at a shipyard in Kirkines, near the Swedish border, where the union leadership indicates that espionage concerns did not surface during the repair of Russian fishing vessels. The information comes from a Norwegian broadcaster reporting on the matter.
A spokesman for the shipyard, who operates within the Kirkines workers’ union, notes that routine maintenance on Russian fishing boats occurs on a daily basis and that the vessels examined show no signs of hidden equipment or surveillance devices. The statement underlines a commitment to safety checks during repairs and highlights that no suspicious items were found aboard the vessels in question.
Financially, the shipyard relies heavily on servicing Russian trawlers, with a significant share of its revenue attributed to this work. The figure cited indicates that a large portion of income comes from the exchange with Russian fishing fleets, reflecting economic ties that accompany bilateral maritime activity.
From a historical perspective, an academic figure associated with Norwegian naval research has expressed confidence that Russia has maintained a policy of not appointing Norwegian representatives aboard its vessels for information-gathering purposes over a prolonged period, including during joint exercises carried out in Norwegian waters. This stance is framed as part of broader strategic considerations within regional security discourse.
The dialogue touches on past Cold War precautions, noting that there were zones where foreign ships faced entry restrictions. The suggestion is made that similar safeguards could be relevant today, particularly in areas hosting critical oil and gas infrastructure, where security is a priority and where foreign presence is carefully managed.
Additional remarks indicate a practice whereby Norwegian vessels did not enter the port of Murmansk without the presence of Russian officials on board, reflecting formal arrangements governing access and oversight in certain maritime corridors. The broader discussion also mentions earlier friction over the transit of fishing vessels from Russia to Norwegian ports, pointing to ongoing tensions and regulatory considerations in transboundary maritime trade. [citation NRK]