During the NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting last week, 11 nations signed a Letter of Intent concerning strategic sealift capability. The signing of the Letter of Intent by Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Norway represents an important step in the direction of strengthening NATO’s transport capabilities and is an acknowledgement of Norway’s strong contribution in this field.

“Strategic sealift capability is of decisive importance in enabling NATO countries to land their forces in the right place and in the right amount of time. In signing this Letter of Intent, nations undertake to place critical sealift capacity at the disposal of the Alliance. I should therefore like to congratulate Norway on its strong leadership in this field,” said the Secretary General, Lord Robertson.

The signing represents a step along the path in following up the Prague Capabilities Commitments (PCC) which identify a set of prioritised measures covering areas in which the NATO’s capabilities require to be strengthened if the Alliance is to continue to be a potent and relevant military organisation in future years. Sealift capability is in general just such a requirement, not least where the transportation of rapidly deployable forces are concerned. The establishment of the NATO Response Force (NRF) has highlighted the relevance of this problem.

The Letter of Intention commits nations to contribute towards better coordination of sealift capabilities through the establishment of an independent coordinating body, the Sealift Coordination Cell. Norway has taken the initiative in setting up the Sealift Coordination Cell which is also being led by a Norwegian officer. Experience to date has been good and has enabled nations to coordinate their planned sealift resources in order to make better coordinated and more cost effective use of their own and chartered transport capacity.

“It is important that in our further work we should investigate existing coordination facilities so that we avoid duplication while at the same time seeking to enhance cost-effectiveness. In signing this Letter of Intent, the countries commit themselves to working for multinational solutions,” says Defence Minister Kristin Krohn Devold.