Russian oligarch's megayacht stranded because Norwegians refuse to refuel it
A 68-metre megayacht purportedly owned by a Russian oligarch is stranded in a Norwegian harbour because locals refuse to allow it to be refuelled.
The MY Ragnar is reportedly owned by former KGB agent Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, who is close with Vladimir Putin.
Although Mr Strzhalkovsky is not on any sanctions list, Norwegian fuel suppliers are refusing to refuel it.
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The MY Ragnar is a five-storey high megayacht. Ragnar Yacht
As a result, the Ragnar remains docked in Narvik, a fishing port in the north of Norway.
The yacht's captain Rob Lancaster, a Briton, has vented at the crew's treatment in a message stuck on a post in Narvik harbour.
"It is OK to fuel the Russian fishing fleet and allow them to operate in Norwegian waters and ports unhindered as this makes up 20 per cent of Northern Norway's economy," he wrote.
"However, they are happy to discriminate against this yacht for publicity in the current climate."
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Vladimir Strzhalkovsky is a wealthy Russian nickel magnate close to Vladimir Putin. Andrew Meares
He wrote the discrimination towards the crew was "extremely unjust".
Mr Strzhalkovsky made his fortune in the nickel mining industry.
The yacht was put on the market last year for around $116 million, but has not yet sold.
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The Ragnar megayacht has many luxurious features, its website says. Ragnar Yacht
The Ragnar megayacht is available for charter for those with enough money. Ragnar Yacht
The superyacht is a custom-built luxury vessel adapted from an ice-breaking service ship.
The five-storey vessel is available for charter voyages.
Its website touts its well-equipped gym, glass-bottom pool, top-deck jacuzzi and spa.
Its home base is in Malta in the Mediterranean.
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