Norwegian government overrules private company’s attempt to boycott the U.S. Navy over political disagreements, ensuring America’s military will continue receiving vital fuel supplies despite tensions surrounding Ukraine policy.
Quick Takes
- Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers announced it would stop selling fuel to U.S. Navy ships until President Trump leaves office
- Norway’s Defense Ministry quickly clarified that American forces will continue receiving all necessary supplies despite the private company’s stance
- The boycott attempt followed a contentious White House meeting involving Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and VP Vance
- Haltbakk Bunkers’ CEO admitted the boycott was largely symbolic as they don’t have fixed contracts with the U.S. government
- Norway, a NATO ally, reaffirmed its strong defense cooperation with the United States
Private Company Attempts Political Boycott of U.S. Military
A Norwegian fuel supplier made headlines this week by announcing it would refuse service to the U.S. Navy until President Donald Trump is no longer in office. Haltbakk Bunkers, which provided approximately 3 million liters of fuel to U.S. warships in 2024, declared its intention to halt all sales following a dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The company’s decision represents an unusual attempt by a private foreign business to influence American politics through disruption of military supply chains.
Gunnar Gran, CEO of Haltbakk Bunkers, made the announcement on social media, criticizing a recent White House meeting as a “sh*tshow” and expressing support for Ukraine. The company cited having many Ukrainian employees as part of its motivation. However, Gran later acknowledged the largely symbolic nature of the boycott, as Haltbakk Bunkers does not operate under fixed contracts with the U.S. government, making their impact limited in practical terms.
European Companies Begin to Boycott the U.S. Is a Trade War on the Horizon?
The major Norwegian marine fuel company Haltbakk Bunkers has halted fuel supplies to U.S. Navy ships and called on other companies to follow its lead. pic.twitter.com/dIYElQLLA4
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 1, 2025
Norwegian Government Swiftly Counters Boycott
Norway’s Defense Ministry quickly distanced itself from the private company’s actions, releasing a statement that unambiguously assured continued support for American forces. This rapid response underscores the Norwegian government’s recognition of the importance of its strategic alliance with the United States, particularly in the context of NATO cooperation and broader European security concerns. The government’s position effectively renders the private boycott attempt moot from a practical standpoint.
“The U.S. and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation. American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway,” Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said.
Political Context Behind the Controversy
The attempted boycott stems from a controversial Oval Office meeting involving President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance. According to reports, tensions flared during discussions about Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and future U.S. support. The incident sparked concern among Ukraine’s supporters about America’s commitment to Kyiv’s defense efforts and raised questions about Trump’s relationship with European allies.
Despite this specific controversy, the broader Nordic response to Ukraine’s needs remains consistent. Norway, along with Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, recently announced additional aid packages for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. This continued support from the Europeans demonstrates that while political tensions have risen with the United States, the strategic alignment of European NATO allies on major security issues remains largely intact, with the Norwegian government drawing a clear line between private business decisions and national security policy.
