Image: YLE / Jani Aarnio

The Finnish-owned vessel spurred headlines around the world when it was hijacked last summer carrying lumber en route from Pietarsaari on Finland's west coast to Algeria. The Arctic Sea, which is carrying a load of lime, is expected to remain in the south-eastern port through the weekend.

In August, the Russian Navy took over the ship near Cape Verde off the African coast, arresting eight people suspected of commandeering the ship. The case is yet to be fully explained. Finnish police are investigating it as a case of aggravated extortion.