Preparing for a broader assessment of the alternatives for raising the submarine wreck off Fedje

- Based on hearings in the Norwegian Parliament where several players have presented new proposals on how the submarine could be raised, more time is needed in order to consider the alternatives for raising the submarine wreck, says Helga Pedersen, the Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.

 

In its report to the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, the Norwegian Coastal Administration has considered several alternatives designed to eliminate pollution from the wreck.  The Coastal Administration’s assessments and recommendations are based on physical investigations carried out of the actual wreck and its surrounding areas in 2005 and 2006, as well as on assessments obtained from a number of Norwegian and international experts.  However, since then several new players have appeared on the scene with new proposals on how to raise the submarine.

 

- Regardless of whichever method is used, the risks associated with moving the wreck and the polluted material on the seabed are considered to be substantial.  The suggestions for raising the wreck that have now been put forward will be subjected to the same careful consideration that was given to the alternatives that have already been assessed, says Pedersen.

 

- This means that no entombment will take place in 2007 and that the work on examining the alternatives will be allocated top priority hereafter, Pedersen adds.