Haltbakk Bunkers announces a significant policy shift in fuel supply to American forces, driven by ethical considerations and support for Ukraine.
Bold company decision: “We follow our moral compass”
Haltbakk Bunkers, a prominent Norwegian fuel supplier, has declared that it will no longer sell fuel to American forces or American ships docked in Norway. The decision, announced via the company’s Facebook page, underscores a strong moral stance. CEO Gunnar Gran stated,
“We follow our moral compass,”
emphasizing the company’s commitment to its ethical values and its ongoing support for Ukraine.
Gran further explained,
“We see how difficult this is for them and their families,” referring to the Ukrainian employees within the company, and added, “we have supported Ukraine since the invasion and believe that they are being treated badly.”
He estimated that approximately 3 million liters of fuel were sold to American vessels last year.
A reaction to international tensions
The move comes on the heels of a dramatic meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and US President Donald Trump, an encounter described as “nauseating” and characterized by some as a live circus led by Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. The charged atmosphere surrounding this high-profile meeting appears to have fueled Haltbakk Bunkers’ decision to cease fueling American military operations in Norwegian ports.
Norwegian Government response: reassuring American military support
The decision has not gone unnoticed by the Norwegian authorities. In a press release issued late Sunday night, Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik commented on the situation:
“We have seen Norwegian and international media coverage that has created uncertainty around the support for American naval vessels in Norway. This is not in line with the government’s policy.”
Sandvik reaffirmed that despite the controversy, Norway will continue to supply American forces as needed, emphasizing the strength and closeness of the defense cooperation between Norway and the USA.
From Russian ships to American forces
Haltbakk Bunkers has previously taken a stand by boycotting Russian ships following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. CEO Gunnar Gran remarked,
“I think that we are a private company and can make the choices we want. We are not doing anything illegal.”
He noted that both Russian and American clients have alternative suppliers, suggesting that the boycott is a principled choice rather than a commercial one. The company also hailed President Zelenskyj’s composed response during the contentious meeting with Trump, stating,
“All honor to the Ukrainian president, who managed to pull himself together and was calm, even though the USA stabbed him in the back on TV.”
In a final rallying cry, Haltbakk Bunkers urged all Norwegians and Europeans to follow their example with the simple yet powerful message “Slava Ukraina”
Implications and future outlook
This controversial decision by Haltbakk Bunkers has sparked significant debate both on social media and in international press circles. While the company’s stance aligns with its moral support for Ukraine, it also raises questions about the broader implications for Norway’s role in international defense logistics and its diplomatic relations with the United States.
