Norwegian Company Halts Fuel Services for US Navy Amid Political Controversy
In a significant move, the Norwegian firm Haltbakk Bunkers has announced the suspension of its fuel supply services to the U.S. Navy, attributing this decision to the contentious U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine. This development has sparked discussions within both the Norwegian government and the maritime community.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the company expressed its discontent with the latest political events, stating, “We witnessed the greatest… show in the history of television performed by Trump and his vice president.”
The firm commended Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for maintaining composure even while being reportedly undermined by the U.S. leadership during a recent Oval Office meeting. This prompted Haltbakk Bunkers to terminate fueling services for U.S. military vessels docked in Norwegian ports.
Gunnar Gran, the company’s president, emphasized that they “choose their customers.” He urged other suppliers to follow suit as a matter of moral integrity and legal principles. The company’s decision follows a heated public exchange between President Trump and Vice President JD Vanc with President Zelensky, which ultimately resulted in terminated discussions over a mining agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Gran, reflecting on the decision, stated he did not anticipate any repercussions from this move that might provoke anger in the U.S. To date, Haltbakk Bunkers has supplied the U.S. Navy with approximately 3 million liters of fuel in 2024 alone.
As a subsidiary of the Haltbakk Group, which Gran exclusively owns, the firm specializes in services across the maritime sector, including bunkering, crew hiring, and charters, boasting a substantial fleet of bunker units and a client database exceeding 2,200.
In 2023, the company reported a revenue of 750 million crowns, equivalent to around PLN 270 million.
The situation has drawn comments from Norwegian officials, including Minister of Defense Tore Sandvik, who reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting U.S. forces. Sandvik clarified, “Fuel not catering to U.S. ships is not in line with the government’s policy in Oslo.
The U.S. and Norway are closely cooperating in the field of security.” He assured that full logistics support for American military operations would continue.
As global geopolitics continue to evolve, the implications of this boycott could resonate beyond Norway, raising questions about international partnerships and the future of military logistics in tenuous political climates.
The maritime industry’s response to political pressures will be closely monitored, as other suppliers may reconsider their ties amid shifting allegiances and ethics in business practices.