Krill ship attacked by activists

Aker QRILL, the company affected, said the attackers deliberately rammed the port side of the Antarctic Sea which was legally operating under international treaty law.

The attacking boat, the MV Bandero, is operated by the Paul Watson Foundation and Sea Shepherd France.

Aker QRILL CEO Webjørn Barstad said: “This is the direct result of campaigns built on false information, creating a climate where confrontation replaces dialogue.”

Environmental activist Paul Watson confirmed to the regional broadcaster NRK Nordland that the collision was intentional, but claims there was no danger to life or serious injury.  

The group believes krill harvesting threatens wildlife in Antarctica, while Aker QRILL claims their fishing is sustainable and responsible. Krill is an alternative source for aquafeed and Aker QRILL argues that responsible use of krill could ease the pressure on fish stocks as a source of protein and oils.

The company said the point of impact was directly above a diesel fuel tank.

It added: “The Antarctic Sea was operating many days away from the nearest port or rescue capability. The crew was not injured but was put in danger in these waters, where margins matter. If the activists had succeeded in disabling any of the vessels’ manoeuvrability, people and the environment would have been at risk due to the approaching severe weather.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norwegian embassies are assisting Aker QRILL, which is considering legal action and has requested assistance from the Chilean Coast Guard.

CEO Barstad said: “This is the result of a campaign built on claims that are not supported by any scientific picture, and on a self-defined sense of justice.

“But there is also a broader ecosystem at play, voices that amplify and reinforce these narratives. When a science-based, internationally governed fishery is consistently misrepresented, it creates a climate where confrontation begins to replace dialogue.

“What we saw is a consequence of that dynamic. This is not constructive activism; it is reckless and dangerous behaviour. It is the opposite of progress, and ultimately the opposite of what international Antarctic management needs.”

Aker QRILL is the world’s leading Antarctic krill harvesting company, operating under strict international laws.