Norway asked to supply ships to Haiti relief

The US authorities have asked Norway to consider providing ships in the joint international effort to provide relief to quake victims in Haiti. The Norwegian Shipowners Association has been contacted.
- In the international discussion around what the different countries could contribute towards the relief effort in Haiti, we have been asked to look into the possibility for providing ships, says Minister for International Development, Erik Solheim.

Solheim has asked the Norwegian Shipowners Association (Rederiforbundet) to consider the request, and says they are positive to the idea, and has asked their members to respond.

The ships could be used to freight heavy construction equipment, or as living quarters for relief personnel.

Solheim says there is historic tradition for Norwegian shipping to participate in in crises situations, and that Norwegian ships have been used in similar situations before.

(NRK/Aftenposten)

Source:norwaypost.no/