Norwegian Coast Guard intercepts sanctioned vessels near Vesterålen

The Norwegian Coast Guard is conducting an operation involving two cargo ships, including the Ya Qing Hai Yang, which is under international sanctions. The vessel is linked to the Russian Arctic LNG 2 project operated by Novatek.

Both ships were intercepted near the Vesterålen islands and Andøya while seeking shelter from a storm in international waters. The Ya Qing Hai Yang, which operates under a Guatemalan flag, has been identified as part of a shadow fleet used to circumvent sanctions. The second vessel, the Jian Yang Cheng He, is sailing under a Chinese flag and is not currently identified as being under sanctions.

The vessels were traveling from the Far East toward Hong Kong via the Northern Sea Route. Norwegian authorities have confirmed the ongoing operation but have not released specific details regarding the cargo or the ultimate objectives of the interception.