EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

Saturday, 1 August, the Norwegian frigate HNoMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN sails from Norway to take part in EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta.

After six months of preparations, the Norwegian contribution to European Union Naval Force EU NAVFOR is underway towards the area of operations in the Gulf of Aden. Hard work has given the newly built frigate FRIDTJOF NANSEN the ability to successfully protect trade routes and UN World Food Programme shipments.

Norwegian minister of Defence, Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen, spoke of the importance of the contribution to the operation.

“This is an important contribution to the safeguarding of UN’s food programme shipments, and also to secure the trade routes in the area”, said the minister prior to the departure.

The Norwegian vessel is a specialized contribution coming from a country that is not a member of the European Union. In addition to the core crew there are also facilities for boarding operations, military police, legad, surgical capacities and translators onboard.

Admiral Peter Hudson, the OP Commander welcomed the new addition to the EU Naval Force and was delighted that Norway is contributing in this way.

HNoMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN will be part of EU NAVFOR for six months.