A lower court in Norway was due to begin hearing a case relating to an alleged transgression of fishing rights by fishing boat “Senator” (IMO 6812986), which was arrested by Norwegian authorities on May 4th on a charge of crab-catching in a disputed territory. The Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture has accused the owner of violating fishing agreements . The vessel’s owner has asserted that Senator was crabbing off the Svalbard archipelago in accordance with the 1920 Svalbard Treaty and EU regulations as of January 16th, when it was arrested. Senator has been docked in Båtsfjord since March 25th, having sailed from Kirkenes on March 24th. According to database, 1968-built Senator (1,211 gt) is covered for liability with Ingosstrakh on behalf of member Sia North Star Ltd.