Faroe Islands shut out Russian fishing firms

The parliament of the Faroe Islands, which are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has banned vessels operated by fishing companies Norebo and Murman Seafood from entering its ports. Earlier, the islands' authorities have closed ports to all ships sailing under the Russian flag, with an exemption for fishing vessels.

Source: Centre for Transport Strategies (CTS), an independent Ukrainian research and consulting centre

Quote: "The parliament of the Faroe Islands, which are part of Denmark and enjoy broad autonomy, has approved amendments to a draft law introducing restrictions on the Russian fishing companies Norebo and Murman Seafood."

Details: Norway announced sanctions against the two Murmansk-based companies in early July. From 1 January 2026, their vessels will be barred from entering Norwegian ports, using Norwegian territorial waters, or obtaining licences to fish in Norway's exclusive economic zone.

CTS notes that the Faroe Islands have served as a transshipment and service base for Russia in the North Atlantic for nearly half a century, although cooperation has diminished since 2022.

Quote: "The islands' authorities have closed ports to all ships under the Russian flag, granting an exemption only to fishing vessels. A year later, the measure was extended to those that do not fish within the framework of the bilateral agreement."

Details: Local news outlet KVF also reported that the Russian companies Norebo and Murman Seafood have now been added to a blacklist, meaning they will no longer be allowed to conduct fishing activities in Faroese waters.

Norway and Russia will hold talks on fishing vessels in the Barents Sea next week, with the Faroe Islands next in line for negotiations.

Background:

• Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service earlier reported that Russia's fishing industry is suffering losses due to limits on vessel service life.
• It was also reported that the Mekhanik Stepanov, a brand-new 50-metre fishing vessel built in 2025, began drifting towards Denmark due to engine problems. The suspicious Russian vessel triggered a NATO special operation in the Øresund Strait near Sweden's coast, involving Sweden's coastguard as well as Danish and British ships.
• Russia's so-called shadow fleet has reportedly shifted its oil transshipment operations from Laconian Bay near Greece into international waters. Greek authorities are concerned about potential oil spills in the rougher open sea.

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