Norwegian Navy Visitors

1. The small size of Utvaer is apparent as her deck party prepares for sea.

2. Fridtjof Nansen moves alongside number 3 oil dock for bunkers.

Two ships from the Royal Norwegian Navy are to leave today after a short visit.

First to arrive, on Saturday September 18 was HMNoS Utvaer, a submarine of the unique Ula class of six vessels. These small diesel subs were commissioned between 1989 and 1992, and have been steadily upgraded. Among these include modifications to allow them to work in the Mediterranean and other warm waters. They have been found to be extremely useful in training. Because they are so small, they are difficult to detect. Although built in Germany, the subs are the product of multi-national cooperation.

The second visitor arrived yesterday, and is HMNoS Fridtjof Nansen. It was due to sail at noon today, but instead moved to Imperoyal for bunkers and will sail sometime tonight. It is unusual for merchant ships to take bunkers directly from the refinery, but government vessels often do so. Room in the Dockyard is at a premium and it is not always possible for the bunkering tanker to get in alongside. Also the unusual shape of naval vessels, and the Nansen may be one, makes it more convenient to go to the source. She is name vessel of the class and was commissioned in 2006. All ships of the class are named for notable Norwegians: Roald Amundsen (which visited earliler this year), Otto Sverdrup, Helge Ingstad and Thor Heyerdal.