One hundred Polish workers had just two days to empty their lockers, pack their gear, and leave the Langsten shipyard in Tomrefjord after Norway’s largest shipbuilding group abruptly terminated its contract with their employer. The sudden lockout left employees stranded in on-site barracks while company executives traded accusations over unpaid wages and alleged code-of-conduct violations.
Contract Termination and Yard Evacuation in Tomrefjord
Access cards for the Maxship Inter employees were deactivated on a Saturday in October 2026, giving workers until 8:00 a.m. the following Monday to collect their tools under the supervision of a private security firm, nrk.no reported. Roman Adamczewski, managing director of Maxship Inter, described chaotic scenes on the shipyard grounds as workers faced sudden displacement. “People are very scared and confused now,” Adamczewski said, according to nrk.no. “They have families in Polen, hungry children and overdue bills to pay.”
The affected workers had been living in temporary housing units inside the shipyard area while completing interior work on three vessels. Maxship Inter arranged alternative temporary accommodation while workers prepared to travel back to Poland. The subcontractor also employs workers at Vard shipyards in Søviknes, Brattvåg, and Romania.
Ethical Guidelines Dispute Versus Unpaid Claims
Vard Interiors managing director Birgit Aarseth defended the decision, stating that Maxship breached the yard’s strict ethical guidelines and corporate regulations. When asked for specifics regarding the alleged breach, Aarseth pointed to requirements for integrity, responsible business conduct, compliance with applicable laws, and respect for fundamental human rights. Vard maintained that it gave proper notice to Maxship, placing the responsibility for informing employees on the subcontractor.
Maxship countered that the financial dispute stems from frozen payments. Adamczewski stated that Vard halted disbursements after receiving a notice from the Norwegian Tax Administration regarding tax and payroll arrears. Maxship’s management claimed the shipyard now refuses to pay for rendered services, pushing the subcontractor toward bankruptcy. Through its lawyer, Maxship sent a formal claim to Vard demanding nearly 20 million kroner for outstanding salary payments dating back to September and October.
Legal Threats and Allegations of Competitor Poaching
Maxship’s leadership announced plans to take Vard to court, accusing the Norwegian shipyard group of utilizing a systematic approach to squeeze out smaller contractors and absorb skilled labor. Adamczewski alleged that Vard contacted Maxship employees directly to offer them jobs. Vard firmly rejected those allegations. “Vard strongly believes that these are wrong claims and accusations,” Aarseth said, declining further comment on ongoing legal disputes between the companies’ legal counsel.
The dispute arrives against a backdrop of previous financial instability for the contractor. Maxship AS was subjected to compulsory liquidation in May 2020 after operating without an auditor, and police investigated a disputed 1.45 million kroner transfer before closing the case that same month. Despite that earlier closure, business operations continued through Maxship Inter.
Vessel Delivery Timelines and Subcontractor Replacement
Vard dismissed assertions that the contract cancellation stemmed from a lack of willingness to pay. Aarseth insisted that one of the three ships under construction remains on track for delivery by the end of the month. While acknowledging that mobilizing replacement workers will take several days, Vard management stated that no major delivery delays are expected.
Common Questions About the Vard and Maxship Dispute
- When did the workers have to leave the shipyard?
- Workers had their access cards revoked on a Saturday and were required to clear out their lockers and remove their tools by 8:00 a.m. the following Monday.
- How much money is Maxship claiming from Vard?
- Maxship sent a legal claim of nearly 20 million kroner to Vard for alleged unpaid wages covering September and October.
- Which shipyards are owned by the Vard group in Norway?
- Vard operates three shipyards in Møre og Romsdal: Brattvåg, Langsten, and Søviknes, following the closure of its Aukra and Brevik facilities in 2019.
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