They also accused Norwegian companies of “financing Russia’s war” in Ukraine.
Greenpeace claimed that its members tied themselves to the Ust Luga registered in Hong Kong, leased and leased by Novatek Russian oil company, when it reached its destination. It arrived at Toensberg terminal owned by Exxon subsidiary Esso. The tanker, carrying more than 105,000 tonnes of fuel, had left St. Petersburg.
Anne Fougner, Esso’s spokeswoman, stated to Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet the oil was purchased before Russia invaded Ukraine. She stated that Esso Norway does not have any other contracts to purchase products from Russia.
“Oil is not just at the root of the climate crises but also causes wars and conflicts. According to the Reuters news agency, Greenpeace Norway head Frode Plleym stated that Norway is a “free port” for Russian oil. We know that Putin’s wars are funded by Norwegian oil.
Norwegian news agency NTB reported that several other activists were also stopped by police prior to taking part in the action.
The U.S. government imposed a ban on imports of Russian oil in March. This was to target Russia’s vast energy sector which generates more than half of Russia’s annual revenue.
Many European countries are more dependent on Russia for oil, gas, which makes it difficult to reduce imports quickly without causing damage to their own economies. However, Esso Norway is one of many countries that has stopped buying petroleum products form Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his war against Ukraine.
The European Union has begun discussions about broader sanctions against Russian oil, and a possible boycott.
