Arts and Social Sciences Journal

The Norwegian Merchant Fleet - The Small State's Multi Tool for Future Crisis

Abstract

Asbjorn Lysgard and Ole Christian Tenden

In a complex world with humanitarian crises, natural disasters, migration, terrorism, and piracy, Norway has an obligation to protect and assist both its own citizens and international partners all over the globe within its limited means. Norway’s merchant fleet forward presence, the unique legal framework between the Norwegian Government and the Norwegian Ship owners Association, and the international networks of maritime clusters can enable rapid logistical support for an expeditionary force in a hasty crisis response or limited contingency operation. Discussion: The Kingdom of Norway has long-held seafarer traditions and has managed one of the world’s most substantial commercial fleets for centuries. In the world wars, Norway had the world’s third biggest commercial fleet. When invaded by Germany, the Norwegian Government requisitioned all Norwegian ships and established the Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission. The world wars led to a close cooperation between the Norwegian Government and the Norwegian Ship owners, which continues today. The merchant ships play a significant role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Article V logistical plans or support of the “Out of Area” concept. Shipping is and will continue to be one of the most effective ways to move cargo around the world. As of 2017, Norway has the 5th largest and the most modern commercial fleet in the world. The complex security environment will need flexible maritime resources. Eighty-two percent of the world’s population will be settled close to the sea in the future - a future of increased natural disasters, violent extremist organizations, terrorism, piracy, population growth, and food shortage. The Norwegian foreign policy has longstanding traditions to render assistance in crises. The forward postured Norwegian merchant ships and the ship owners´ close cooperation with the Norwegian Government generates a possibility to rapidly support rapidly evolving crises. The Norwegian crisis management system must incorporate the Norwegian Shipping Association in plans, training, and exercises. A crisis may be resolved unilaterally, bilaterally, or as part of a coalition. The commercial ships and their networks can be an asset to support in an operation, whether military or non-military, such as humanitarian crises. Norway needs to prepare today to be ready for the next crisis connected to the sea or coastal areas. Conclusion: This paper proposes the Norwegian Government to prepare for the future security environment by including the Norwegian Ship owners Association in the crisis management organizations in training and operations to utilize the forward postured ships in rapid, evolving crises. The forward postured ships bring speed, maneuverability, flexibility, and sustainability to Norwegian international efforts and crisis response. Norwegian politicians and decision-makers need to prioritize the merchant fleet and incorporate the unique relationship among the Norwegian Government, the Norwegian Ship owners Association, and insurance into planning exercises and training to set the national crisis organization up for future success.