Norway warns coastal residents. Russia and China increase activity

Norwegian security services are observing growing interest in the Arctic and the country’s northern regions. PST specialist director Jon Fitje Hoffmann said at a conference in Honningsvåg that this concerns primarily Russia, but also China. The interest includes Norwegian waters and the coastline. According to the PST, the activities may serve both general reconnaissance of infrastructure and preparations for potential acts of sabotage.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) confirms an increase in the number of reported incidents. Kystverket director Einar Vik Arset points out that the vast majority concern digital activity, which the administration monitors together with ports. Other cases are also occurring. Arset speaks of covert intelligence activity conducted at sea and stresses the need to increase awareness of threats.

Kystverket has presented the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries with a proposal to tighten security practices in Norwegian ports. Arset believes that action should begin quickly, especially where weaknesses in maritime infrastructure have been identified. Ports are of great importance. About 90 percent of all goods transported between Norway and other countries are loaded onto ships and pass through ports.

The importance of Norwegian ports has also increased following Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO. The commander of the Royal Norwegian Navy, Rear Admiral Kyrre Haugen, points out that allied forces heading to both countries may pass through Norwegian ports. Ports are therefore important for everyday deliveries, but also for preparedness in crises and war. Haugen draws attention to acts of sabotage targeting military facilities that have been recorded in Europe.

The PST asks coastal residents to pay attention to unusual behavior by people and vessels. Hoffmann emphasizes that incidents departing from the normal pattern should be reported to the PST or the police. The appeal also covers activity online. The services advise caution toward difficult-to-explain friend requests sent via social media.

Hurtigruten, whose 10 ships regularly call at ports along the Norwegian coast, also wants to become more broadly involved in the security discussion. The company’s chief operating officer, Gerry Larsson-Fredde, declares readiness to participate in security-related measures and exercises. At the same time, he expects clear information from the authorities about the role businesses are to play in contingency plans.