Norwegian frigate to join EU NAVFOR Atalanta

February 27, 2009

The Norwegian Government has decided to send a new Nansen-Class Frigate to the EU anti-piracy naval operation ATALANTA outside Somalia. Planning and preparation will now start with a view to deploy from Norway in August this year.

Norwegian frigate KNM Fridtjof Nansen. Photo: The Norwegian Navy.

Pirate activity outside the Somalian coast is a considerable threat to the supply of humanitarian support to Somalia as well as to international shipping.

Military presence plays an important role in fighting piracy, and there are several national and multinational maritime operations in the area at the moment.

As a major seafaring nation, Norway has an obvious role in the work of protecting international shipping.

Approximately 1000 Norwegian controlled vessels sail through the area every year. A number of Norwegian vessels have been attacked by pirates, but so far none of them have been hijacked.

So far, the EU NAVFOR ATALANTA includes naval vessels and Maritime Patrol Aircrafts (MPA) from Greece, UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

From August the maritime force will be commanded by a Dutch flagship. The operation is lead by a mission specified British headquarter established in Northwood outside London.

Norwegian participation in this operation will also mean direct support to the UN efforts in the area, and will add to Norway’s existing political and humanitarian engagement in Somalia. Several UN Security Council resolutions establish the foundation for the anti-piracy operations outside Somalia.

Source: Regjeringen.no.