Odpowiedź Norwegii na US Navy: Blokada dostaw paliwa dla Amerykanów
Haltbakk Bunkers, a subsidiary of the Haltbakk Group, is a company that supplies fuel for marine vessels. Recently, a post was published on the company’s Facebook page in English, addressing the tumultuous incident at the White House and the drastic actions taken by the Norwegian company in response.
„We witnessed today the biggest circus ever presented 'live on TV’ by the current American President and his Vice President. Huge commendation to the President of Ukraine for maintaining composure and staying calm, despite the circus the USA presented on television. It made us sick. In short and to the point. As a result, we have made the decision to immediately cease supplying fuel to American forces in Norway and their ships calling at Norwegian ports. 'No fuel for Americans!’ We encourage all Norwegians and Europeans to follow our example. SLAVA UKRAINA,” read the post on Haltbakk’s social media.
Behind these strategic decisions, which will surely result in a reduction in profits, is Gunnar Gran. He is the owner, chairman of the board, and CEO of the Haltbakk Group.
„As everyone surely understands, as long as Trump does not calm down, not a single liter of fuel will be delivered,” Gran told the Kystens Næringsliv service about the sanctions on US vessels.
The Norwegian company also emphasizes that it has been boycotting all Russian ships since the first day of the war in Ukraine.
„We sold about three million liters of fuel to Americans last year, and I do not suspect that our decision will have a drastic impact on the functioning of American naval units, but it is a gesture of opposition to actions that are not acceptable,” Gran explained in Norwegian media.
The owner of the Haltbakk group admits that many Ukrainians work in his company and he sees the drama they are experiencing every day. He reveals that his company has sold about three million liters of fuel to Americans and does not suspect that his decision will have a drastic impact on the functioning of American naval units, but it is a gesture of opposition to actions that are not accepted.
In response to the situation, Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik issued a statement on Saturday (March 1) trying to calm the situation.
„We have seen worrying reports about support for US Navy ships in Norway. This is not in line with the policy of the Norwegian government,” Sandvik said, adding that „all required support is provided.”
Despite the minister’s assurances, the first „victim” of Haltbakk’s policy was the American submarine USS Virginia (SSN-774), which attempted to refuel off the coast of Norway on Saturday but was turned back.
„We run a limited company and we choose our customers ourselves,” Gunnar Gran said.
Currently, Haltbakk Bunkers has a fleet of 10 bunkering vessels and two tankers. The company also operates a number of fuel stations for both land and marine vessels, as well as providing fuel transport services.
In 2023, the Haltbakk group generated operating revenues of 750 million Norwegian kroner (270 million Polish zlotys), with 16 million kroner (5.7 million zlotys) coming from bunkering services alone.
Ten years ago, Gran expanded the bunkering segment and saw significant sales growth, mainly in aquaculture, shipping, and services to the defense industry, including contracts with NATO.
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