Oslo: Shipping magnate John Fredriksen and Tor Olav Trøim , his former right hand man, have both been awarded Russia’s Order of Friendship. They got the medal for Seadrill’s work in the Kara Sea. Fredriksen is president of Seadrill, and at the time of the Kara Sea work Tor Olav Trøim was still a board member.

The last time the two (pictured) were seen in public was in Bermuda last year. Then Fredriksen verbally abused Trøim and the pair split. This came after the two had worked closely for more than 20 years setting up one successful business venture after another, from fish farming to oil rigs.

Fredriksen’s daughters confirmed the split some weeks later to Norwegian daily VG, saying that ” their father has lowered his shoulders after the break”. Fredriksen even stated that he was “very pleased that Trøim is out”.

The Order of Friendship award is given by President Vladimir Putin. The reason that the two Norwegians won the award is for work done in connection to drilling at Universitets Kaia- 1, which was drilled by Fredriksen’s rig, West Alpha. Drilling on the prospect was completed just a week before new sanctions against Russia’s oil and gas industry became effective. Drilling activity here has led to the discovery of the very large Pobeda field.

Others that have been awarded with the medal include representatives from Schlumberger.