Norwegian government blocks Russian purchase of marine engines manufacturing plant

The Norwegian government has blocked purchase of the Bergen Engines Plant by Russia’s TRANSMASHHOLDING concern, reports Megafishnet.com.

According to sudostroenie.info, Norway’s Justice Minister Monica Mallan has justified the ban referring to the fact the buyer group is controlled from a country with which Norway has no security cooperation.

The report says that Russia’s goal in the failed purchase was to start domestic production of medium-speed diesel engines at an affordable price for the Russian fleets as these engines are needed for the river-sea boats as well as fishing and offshore vessels.

Norway, however, considered that this would increase the military potential of Russia and vetoed the purchase of the plant worth 150 million euros.