Norway has seized a heavy oil tanker belonging to China named "Ya Qing Hai Yang" due to deficiencies in flag registration and the absence of valid documents. This action appears to be the first known case of the seizure of a Chinese ship linked to Russia's shadow fleet in the Arctic region.
Details of the Tanker Seizure
The tanker "Ya Qing Hai Yang" was seized after Norwegian inspectors found that the vessel lacked valid flag registration and necessary documents. Norwegian officials stated that the seizure was conducted due to maritime safety issues and registration deficiencies, not because of the vessel's sanctioned status. The inspection of this tanker took place on October 13 in the Andfjorden area, near the Vesterålen Islands.
Dag Inge Aarhus, the communications director of the Norwegian Maritime Authority, stated: "During the inspection, it was determined that the ship lacked valid flag registration and necessary documents. Therefore, this vessel has been detained until further notice." An update on the vessel's status indicates that it remains near the Vesterålen Islands as of November 3.
History and Connections of the Vessel
This vessel has a history of transporting energy cargoes for Russia. In October 2024, while operating under the name "Ocean 28," it transported the largest power generation modules from China to the Utrenne terminal on the Gydan Peninsula, where the Novatek LNG 2 project is located. This operation involved equipment produced by the Chinese company Wison New Energy and was designed to ensure that these modules were delivered to Russia despite Western sanctions.
After the United States sanctioned the operator of this vessel and related entities in January 2025, the vessel was also added to the European Union's sanctions list. The recent seizure comes as European governments face increasing pressure to enforce maritime restrictions against vessels involved in Russia's efforts to maintain its energy exports.
Norway had previously emphasized the importance of reviewing and monitoring insurance documents, but this particular case may indicate a shift in the country's policies, as the inspection of "Ya Qing Hai Yang" occurred after seeking shelter from a storm.
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