Norwegian company imposes Ukraine sanctions on the US: Others may join... Announced with 'Long live Ukraine' message

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

Norway-based marine fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers has decided to stop refueling US military vessels. The company stated that the reason behind this decision was a 'moral compass.' The decision was made in response to the dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Haltbakk Bunkers owner Gunnar Gran announced the decision to stop fuel sales to the US Navy via social media. Haltbakk Bunkers also stopped selling fuel to Russian ships following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

According to a report by The Economic Times, the company announced that this decision is effective immediately and applies to US ships entering Norwegian ports. Criticizing the US stance toward Ukraine, Haltbakk Bunkers stated that it supports Zelensky.

The decision by Haltbakk Bunkers, one of the key fuel suppliers for the US Navy in the North Atlantic, could affect other companies as well. Norwegian companies also imposed sanctions against Russia at the beginning of the Ukraine War before Norway itself took any official action. Experts suggested that the decision taken by Haltbakk Bunkers could trigger a wave of sanctions against the US.

'MORAL COMPASS' REMINDER

Stating that many Ukrainian personnel work at the company, Gran expressed that they have seen the effects of the war on these employees and their families up close. Gran noted that they are determined to continue their support for Ukraine.

The company's social media post included the following statements:

''Today, we witnessed the greatest disgrace ever presented live on air by the current American president and vice president.''

The post concluded with the slogan 'Slava Ukraini' (Long live Ukraine).

Gran emphasized that while this decision caused a significant loss of revenue for their company, they possess a 'moral compass,' stating the following:

'This meant that many of our competitors were making significant extra income. We lost a lot of revenue. But we have a moral compass. Now, the US is being ostracized due to its behavior toward Ukrainians. As long as Trump remains in office, we will not deliver a single liter of fuel.'

Haltbakk Bunkers' social media post

CALL TO OTHER SUPPLIERS

Haltbakk Bunkers announced that it has stopped all energy supply sales to the US Armed Forces and its vessels. The company called on other Norwegian and European suppliers to join a similar boycott. However, Gran stated that he does not believe this decision will have a major impact due to the small volume of fuel sales. Stating that approximately 3 million liters of fuel were supplied to US ships in 2024, Gran emphasized that this boycott is more of a moral gesture.

According to a report by News Ukraine, Gran added that US naval vessels do not receive fuel from suppliers in Norway under agreements with NATO, but rather through independent arrangements. Experts claimed that the decision could also influence other suppliers in Norway.

In the US, members of the Democratic Party have launched fundraising efforts to prevent the tension between Trump and Zelensky. Describing the dispute between the two leaders as a 'disgrace,' the Democrats emphasized that more cautious steps should be taken in international relations.

Haltbakk Bunkers operates as a subsidiary of the Haltbakk Group, owned by Gunnar Gran. The company operates the largest bunker fleet in Norway and serves 2,200 customers both domestically and abroad. Haltbakk Bunkers owns a fleet consisting of two fuel tankers and 10 bunker vessels. It also operates a series of fuel stations on land and at sea.