States the Danish defence of “Norwegian Gannet” in the lawsuit against the Norwegian government.
The pre-notified trial between the harvesting vessel company Hav Line and the Norwegian government will start Monday morning, at the Hotel Admiral in Bergen. The shipping company has sued the government after the latter rejected an extended exemption for export of so-called “production fish”.
Production fish are fish with visible wounds or deformities. According to the fish quality regulations, such fish must be sorted and the errors corrected before being shipped out of Norway.
Genius
The trial draws attention in the Danish media. The leading Danish business newspaper Børsen has Monday put in a full page in its’ paper edition.
“Hav Lines operation is brilliant. It has nothing but benefits. On the other hand, they are subject to squabbling Norwegian incapacity, unjust obstruction, protectionism and miscarriage of justice,” says Peter Bamberger, chairman of the Danish Seafood Association, to Børsen.
“The Danish government must defend Denmark’s interests in the project,” he adds.
Business worth millions
Denmark imported seafood for EUR 2.9 billion last year. Salmon was the largest product group with EUR 560 million.
From January 2019 to March 2020, “Norwegian Gannet” has delivered salmon for EUR 160 million to the northern Danish port city of Hirtshals.
Bergen Tingrett starts its main negotiation of the case complex on Monday. Four days have been set off for the trial.
The Norwegian government’s claim is that the state be acquitted and awarded legal costs.
