The line had been granted permission by the Norwegian government in April to operate the ship – financed by a sanctioned Russian-owned company – for six months but it was later revealed the order did not cover its insurance.

Capella’s 15 May departure was also cancelled due to the insurance issue, with the line now also axing its 26 May sailing “as no solution has been found”.

Bent Martini, chief executive of the line which operates along Norway’s Bergen and Kirkenes coastal route, said the company was “constantly working to find a temporary solution” to put Capella back in schedule. 

“At the same time, we are working on a permanent solution which means that we take ownership of the ship,” he said. “This is a demanding situation for us, and it is difficult to estimate on how long this will take.

“As we do not have a solution ready today, we have no choice but to cancel the next round trip. It is very unfortunate, first and foremost for all our guests, but also for our company.”