Nortraship
The Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission (Nortraship) was established in London in April 1940 to administer the Norwegian merchant fleet outside German-controlled areas. Nortraship operated some 1,000 vessels and was the largest shipping company in the world. It is credited for giving a major contribution to the Allied war effort. However, it was also criticised by the British for being too much focused on profit, and not enough on the war effort. The Norwegian countercharge was that British commercial interests were disguised as wartime needs.
Nortraship had its main offices in London and New York, and was active during World War II. Nortraship was vital to Norway and the exile government as it lacked other means to support the Allied fight against the Axis powers. The organisation handed the various vessels back to their owners when Norway was liberated in May 1945.
Read more about Nortraship: Norwegian Merchant Fleet Prior To World War II, The Forgotten War, September 3, 1939 - April 9, 1940, Norway Invaded and Nortraship Established, London - The Early Days, New York - Internal Fighting, More Crewing Problems, Seaman and Vessel Safety, British Pressure For More Tonnage, Tankers With Clean/dirty Oil and Spare Decks, The United States Enters The War, Secret Fund, Internal Fighting, After 1945 and Nortraship Today