A Russian trawler with an ammonia tank and about 200,000 litres of diesel oil inside is in flames at a northern Norwegian port and authorities have evacuated surrounding areas because of an explosion risk.

The Norwegian public broadcaster NRK said on Thursday the fire on the vessel named Bukhta Naezdnik started on Wednesday.

It is currently moored at the port of Breivika in the Tromso region.

Photos and video footage from the scene showed the vessel had listed drastically by this morning and was covered with thick smoke.

NRK said nearly 100 people had been evacuated from the area.

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- Press Association