An analysis of two export databases by Nieuwsuur has shown that hundreds of parts for a new Russian fleet of crab catchers and designed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards ended up in Russia last year, despite the economic sanctions.

Russian shipyards managed to obtain the parts via Turkey and Hong Kong, the analysis showed, with at least some of the shipments coming directly from Damen itself. Three other supply companies to Damen have said they recognised elements they had made and delivered exclusively to the shipyard.

Damen said in a reaction it does not know how the parts made their way to Russia and said the company “acted in complete compliance to the sanctions”.

It did say that “a number of parts for fishing boats had been sold to several foreign companies” in 2023 but that contracts had included a clause saying a fine would be levied if parts were sold on to Russia. The shipments were also checked by customs, Damen said.

However, according to unnamed sources, customs sanctions team POSS has since investigated the case and concluded that illegal “export of parts via fishing boats” had taken place.

Experts said the question is whether Damen did enough to prevent the parts from reaching Russia.

The case now lies with the public prosecution office which has not yet decided if Damen will be prosecuted for breaking the sanctions.