Danish shipyard faces EU pressure over Russian LNG tanker repairs
A cross-party group of 101 European politicians has called on Denmark's Fayard shipyard to halt repairs on Russian LNG tankers, arguing the work undermines upcoming EU sanctions and prolongs Moscow's war funding.
Over 100 European parliamentarians have demanded that Denmark’s Fayard shipyard refuse maintenance work on a fleet of Russian liquefied natural gas tankers, spotlighting a potential gap in the continent's sanctions regime. The Rudolf Samoylovich arrived at the Danish yard on 30 June, the first of up to six specialised ice-class vessels expected to dock there before an EU embargo on Russian LNG takes effect in January 2027.
The cross-party coalition of 101 lawmakers from 16 countries warns that routine servicing now will lock in Russia’s ability to export Arctic gas for years after the ban formally begins. Coordinated by former Danish foreign minister and Green MEP Villy Søvndal, the group framed the issue as a test of Europe's resolve.
These Arc7 tankers are highly lucrative assets for Moscow. According to research by NGOs Urgewald, B4Ukraine and Razom We Stand, each of the six vessels expected at Fayard this year has transported an average of 5.3 million tonnes of Russian LNG since the 2022 invasion, carrying cargoes valued at roughly €4bn per ship. Fayard is now the last remaining shipyard in the European Union still accepting these vessels after a French competitor ceased such work in 2024.
“This is not only a commercial matter. It is a question of Europe’s security, Denmark’s credibility and solidarity with Ukraine,” the politicians wrote in a letter to Fayard CEO Thomas Andersen. Alexander Kirk, a sanctions campaigner at Urgewald, noted that keeping these ships seaworthy directly impacts the Kremlin's revenue stream. “This is not routine ship repair. Every Arc7 tanker serviced in Denmark could help prolong Russian Arctic LNG exports for years and send millions more back to the Kremlin,” he said.
The political pressure complicates the operational reality for Fayard. The company has previously pushed back against accusations of directly aiding Russia, stressing that it follows current EU law and contributes to maritime safety. “Fayard does not service Russian vessels. We service vessels owned by international shipping companies operating between the Yamal terminal and European ports in full compliance with all rules and guidelines,” the company stated.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has previously argued that this work effectively supports Russia's war effort. While Fayard insists its contracts will end when the new sanctions package enters force, critics say waiting until the end of the year is too late. Swedish MEP Jonas Sjöstedt warned that providing any services now weakens the broader sanctions strategy. “Every loophole left open and every service provided to these vessels make our sanctions weaker and give Russia more room to continue financing its war,” he said.
