Since April, the vessel has been docked in Bergen, after unnamed insurance companies terminated the vessel’s cover due to the company’s connections with sanctioned Russian firm GTLK Asia.
GTLK was added to the EU’s list of sanctioned companies earlier this year because of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Under a current agreement between Havila and the sanctioned firm, the line has the option to purchase the vessel two years after delivery, but cannot due to the sanctions.
During the period, Havila has worked with short-term solutions to get the ship back into operation, at the same time as it has worked with solutions for a change of ownership of the ship.
This week, Havila filed a case to the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts of England and Wales, Commercial Court (QBD) in London to force a change of ownership of the ship.
Havilla chief executive Bent Martini said: "It is important for us to take over the ownership of Havila Capella. We have tried to find a solution with GTLK Asia, but the only solution they have put forward is to pay the amount due.
"It would be illegal for us to pay the amount due to a sanctioned company. We want to settle by paying the amount we owe GLTK Asia to a blocked account. The amount will be paid to GTLK Asia when the sanctions are lifted."
Havila has been in continuous dialogue with several ministries in Norway to find a temporary solution to be able to operate the ship on the route along the coast to which the company is obliged in accordance with a contract with the Ministry of Transport. So far no solution has been found. If the legal action succeeds, Capella will return to service.
