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The Chinese Ships off Northern Norway:
Chinese Ship Left Vesterålen, Seeking New Shelter off Nesna
Northern Norway: The Chinese heavy-lift ship Jian Yang Cheng He left Andfjorden and is now again sheltering from the weather a bit further south.
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The article has been updated.
The Chinese and sanctioned heavy-lift vessel Ya Quing Hai Yan is now the only Chinese vessel remaining in Andfjorden. The vessel still lacks a valid flag and documentation and has been lying off Vesterålen in Northern Norway for more than four weeks.
The other Chinese heavy-lift vessel Jian Yang Cheng He has once again left Andfjorden after seeking shelter with its sister vessel. This is shown by data from MarineTraffic.
Jian Yang Cheng He anchored off Nesna in Nordland at 2 am last night, more specifically Nesnaflaket, which is an anchorage and waiting area at sea off Nesna in Nordland a bit south of Andfjorden in Vesterålen. The area is used as a waiting harbour for larger vessels and boats awaiting a berth, pilot or cargo.
The vessel officially changed its destination from Russia near St Petersburg to Nesna.
Granted shelter
Jonny Karlsen, spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Operational Headquarters, tells HNN that the ship requested and was granted shelter due to bad weather.
The ship is heavily loaded
“The ship is heavily loaded and requires good weather to sail. It requested permission from the Norwegian Coastal Administration to seek shelter, which was granted with the approval of the Armed Forces,” says Karlsen.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration is responsible for navigation and safety in Norwegian waters. The Jian Yang Cheng He will remain at Nesnaflaket until it is safe to continue its voyage.
Deficiencies discovered
The fact that the ship changed its destination from Ust-Luga in Russia to Nesnaflaket points to a planned stop.
Jian Yang Cheng He left Andfjorden for the first time on 30 October 2026, but turned around after 12 hours to return to Andfjorden, reportedly due to bad weather. The vessel remained there before once again leaving Vesterålen for Nesna.
The distance between Andfjorden and Nesna is about 230–265 nautical miles.
Norwegian authorities carried out inspections of both vessels and found deficiencies on Jian Yang Cheng He as well. The vessel was not detained, but remained voluntarily in Vesterålen.
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