Since 2004, the Norwegian Coast Guard has undergone a major modernization, which was completed last year. By the end of 2007 the Coast Guard had started using the new Nornen-ships, five specially designed vessels for operations along the Norwegian Coast. The ships are better equipped, larger and lot more versatile than the old vessels, the Coast Guard reports on its web-site.
These vessels are also better designed for emergency situations like towing, firefighting and rescue operations on sea. The vessels have a top speed of 16 knots. In addition, each of the vessel is to be equipped with a Fast Patrol Rescue Craft, which can do 45 knots at full speed.
Rear Admiral Jan Eirik Finseth in the Norwegian Navy writes in his annual report for 2007 that the modernization of the vessels, makes the Norwegian Coast Guard not only the most modern in Europe, but perhaps even in the world.
