March 1, 2025 - Haltbakk Bunkers, a prominent Norwegian marine fuel company, has announced it will cease refueling U.S. Navy vessels. This decision appears to stem from the company's reaction to a recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The company has publicly expressed dismay over what it described as a "backstabbing" display by U.S. leadership, prompting this significant policy shift.
Operationally, this has already led to disruptions for the U.S. Navy in Norwegian waters. Notably, the USS Virginia, a nuclear-powered submarine, was reportedly turned away from refueling in Norway and forced to alter its course due to Haltbakk Bunkers' refusal to provide fuel. This incident underscores immediate logistical challenges for U.S. naval operations in the region, given Norway’s strategic importance as a NATO ally and Haltbakk Bunkers’ role as a key fuel supplier along the Norwegian coast.
Haltbakk Bunkers has also called on other European firms to follow suit and deny service to American military forces, though the broader response from European companies remains uncertain as of now. Norwegian media and international outlets like Express.co.uk and County Local News have reported on the story, framing it as a reaction to geopolitical tensions exacerbated by the Trump-Zelensky meeting. However, the full scope of operational disruptions for the U.S. Navy and the extent to which other firms might join Haltbakk Bunkers are still unfolding, with no official statements from the U.S. Navy or NATO confirming the broader impact as of this date. 17GEN4.com
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