A cross-party coalition of 16 countries across Europe has called on the last EU shipyard still servicing specialized Arc7 ice-class oil tankers seen as vital for transporting Russian Arctic liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to end its maintenance of these vessels, according to Urgewald, a German non-profit environmental research organization (NGO).
Orgwald revealed the formation of a cross-party coalition of 101 parliamentarians from 16 countries, led by a Danish MEP. Veli SovndalHe signed a letter inviting Denmark Viard The shipyard and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thomas Andersento accept no more Arc7 tankers that keep Russian LNG exports moving in the Arctic, and publicly rule out further work in 2026.
In their letter to Fayard’s CEO, the parliamentarians emphasized the following: “We therefore urge Fayard to refuse all additional repair and maintenance work on Arc7 LNG carriers and other vessels serving Russian LNG exports in the Arctic, and to publicly confirm that no such additional vessels will be accepted in 2026.” This is not just a business issue. It is a question of Europe’s security, Denmark’s credibility and its solidarity with Ukraine.“
The signatories include six political groups in the European Parliament and national parties from across the political spectrum, including three Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament –Christel Schalmoz, Robert Zell and Nikolai Stefanuta– As well as the former Finnish Minister of the Interior and Environment Maria OhisaloHeads of parliamentary blocs and members of foreign affairs committees.
MEP Vili Sovndal, member of the Greens/European Free Alliance and main coordinator of the letter, said: “If Europe really wants to hurt Russia’s LNG business with a ban starting in 2027, the Arc7 fleet is the crucial link in the logistics chain. Fayard should not be playing into Russia’s hands here and preparing ships for a business that Europe actually intends to undermine.”
The open letter, signed by 51 MEPs and 50 members of national and devolved parliaments, warns that maintenance work taking place now could keep Russia’s specialized Arctic LNG fleet operating for years and weaken the impact of upcoming EU restrictions.
Roberts Zille, MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament and member of the European Conservatives and Reformers Group, said: “We must remain vigilant and close loopholes to ensure sanctions remain effective. By continually adapting our sanctions, we are demonstrating that Russia will face lasting consequences for its aggressive war against Ukraine.”
MPs criticize the fact that maintenance work carried out by Fayard in the summer of 2026 will make the ships ready for the coming years, even though the EU ban on Russian liquefied natural gas will come into force on January 1, 2027.
Richard Cole, Member of the European ParliamentThe member of the European Parliament and the European Conservatives and Reformists group noted: “Denmark has stood by Kiev when it matters. No shipyard should be allowed to undermine this proud record and reputation for the sake of a maintenance contract. Fayard should stop servicing these ships now, rather than wait for someone else to decide.”
This message comes after arrival Rudolf Samoylovich At Fayard on June 30, 2026, it is the first of up to six Arc7 tankers identified by human rights and environmental NGO Urgewald as likely to need maintenance this summer, before incoming EU restrictions come into full effect.
Malgorzata Tracz MPMember of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Poland, highlighted: “This is no longer just a commercial issue. Europe’s maritime infrastructure cannot be used to support a war of aggression. We must cut off every avenue that allows Russia to finance its attack on Europe’s future.
“These specialized Arc7 vessels are the lifeblood of Russian LNG exports in the Arctic. Allowing them to be serviced in European shipyards extends their operational lives and ensures that Russian fossil fuel revenues continue to flow to fund the war machine. This must end.”
the Research was conducted By Urgewald, B4Ukraine and Razom We Stand identifies Fayard as the last EU shipyard still serving the specialist Arc7 fleet, after Damen Shiprepair Brest stopped accepting ships after August 2024.
Since Russia began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, each of the six ships identified as potentially needing maintenance this summer has transported an average of 5.3 million tons of Russian liquefied natural gas, representing about 4 billion euros in shipping value per ship.
Oras Tinkinen MPThe Finnish Member of Parliament and co-chair of the Ukrainian Friendship Group stressed: “Companies should not hide behind the backs of politicians. What is clearly unethical cannot continue, even if it is still legal.
“Fayard and its owners must assume their moral responsibility and stop servicing tankers linked to Russian fuel exports. History will not judge kindly to those who continue to profit from funding death and destruction in Ukraine.”
Given that The European Union’s 20th sanctions package The provision of maintenance and other services to LNG carriers operating in Russia is prohibited from 2027 onwards, and the letter warns that servicing ships before these measures are fully activated risks handing the Arc7 LNG fleet a final European repair window.
Fayard has already faced high-profile criticism over his role, including from the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen It is called “Unthinkable” That the Danish shipyard should serve ships carrying Russian gas. The shipyard previously said its work complies with EU rules and supports maritime safety.
Orgwald mentions this Vladislav VlasyukSanctions Advisor to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZelenskyHe described the shipyard as an important link in the Russian logistical chain and called for the end of service in European ports.
Jonas Sjostedt, Member of the European ParliamentA member of the European Parliament from the left group in the European Parliament explained: “These Arc7 tankers are a vital part of one of Russia’s most lucrative businesses, directly helping to fund the illegal war against Ukraine.
“Without maintenance and repairs, Russia’s ability to export LNG will be significantly weakened. Every loophole left open and every service provided to these vessels makes our sanctions weaker and gives Russia more room to continue financing its war.”
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