Havila Capella to resume operations on June 28

The Havila Voyages vessel will set sail next week after being impacted by EU sanctions against its Russian-based leasing company

By Charlotte Cullinan Last updated Jun 27, 2022

Havila Capella will restart operations along the Norwegian coast from on June 28, having been moored in Bergen since April 12. The ship was unable to sail after its insurance companies terminated their contracts due to the EU’s sanctions against the leasing company, Russian-based GTLK Asia.

Havila Voyages has now received the necessary certificates from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, ensuring Havila Capella is now fully insured and ready to resume sailing. It will make its first voyage from Bergen next week.

Havila Voyages has also been working on solutions to take over ownership of the ship. The company has filed a case to the High Court of England and Wales to force a change of ownership of Havila Capella.

At the same time, the shipping company, demanded temporary arrest and forced use to operate Havila Capella through a petition to the Hordaland District Court on June 16. This was granted on June 20, and CEO Bent Martini said: “Through the ruling from Hordaland District Court, we have been given the role of principal administrator of Havila Capella, with all the rights that a registered owner has.”

“The Norwegian Maritime Directorate has now issued valid certificates for Havila Capella to Havila Kystruten [Havila Voyages], which means that we have received valid P&I insurance with assistance from the insurance company Skuld. Over the next few days, we will seek to conclude the hull insurance for the ship, meaning Havila Capella can resume operations from June 28, when she will embark on her next voyage along the Norwegian coast”.

Martini said he was pleased with the decision and the crew were “very much looking forward” to showcasing the Norwegian coast to customers.

“It is also very important for our company to get Havila Capella back in operation,” he added. “It is of great importance to the coastal communities and Norwegian value creation. Our social mission along the Norwegian coast contributes to a significant number of jobs, and to Norwegian business and tourism beyond our voyages, in addition to being an important part of the infrastructure along the coast.”