Discover the Belomorye: Ratings & Maritime News

The 'Belomorye', a Russian freezer ship that has been anchored in Freifjorden since November 24, 2023, finally has a scheduled departure date. The vessel encountered steering difficulties that led to it drifting in the Norwegian Sea. Additionally, it was involved in a recent controversy surrounding accusations of espionage while docked in Eemshaven, resulting in a ban from Dutch ports. As part of standard protocol after passing the Schengen outer border, local authorities conducted a border inspection on the ship. As of December 10, 2023, the 'Belomorye' continues to remain anchored at position 63° 01' N 007° 49' E.

On the evening of November 24, 2024, the 'Belmorye', a Russian ship carrying 1,950 tonnes of frozen fish, faced significant steering issues, drifting 100 nautical miles northwest of Frøya amid tumultuous weather conditions. With the crew unable to rectify the problem, they reached out to the Norwegian Coastal Administration's maritime traffic center located in Vardø for help. Responding promptly, the Vardø center coordinated with the vessel's Norwegian agent and the insurance company, Skuld, to arrange for assistance. By the evening of November 25, the shipowner secured a contract with Bukser og Berging to tow the beleaguered vessel. In a collaborative effort involving the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Defense Forces, the Belmorye was directed to an appropriate anchorage site in Kristiansund. On November 27 at 9:15 a.m., a connection was successfully established with the tug 'BB Coaster', with favorable weather conditions allowing towing operations to commence at speeds of 7-8 knots. The Norwegian Coastal Administration dispatched a pilot to join the Belmorye at 8:30 p.m. to facilitate its safe entry to the designated anchorage. By 11:50 p.m., the beleaguered ship was anchored securely in Freifjorden, where it is scheduled to remain for a week. During this time, arrangements will be made for another tug to transport the vessel to Kaliningrad, where necessary repairs to its rudder defect can be conducted.