Nortraship - After 1945 and Nortraship Today

After 1945 and Nortraship Today

When World War II ended in 1945, Nortraship's main task was over, even though the final settlement was not done until 1964. Immediately after the end of hostilities in Europe, Nortraship had a very busy period; its work was governed by the Allied United Maritime Authority which was tasked with controlling all international shipping until the end of the post-war transition period. Nortraships's requisition of Norwegian ships ended on 30 September 1945, and as the various shipowners took charge of their vessels Nortraship started the huge task of liquidating the organisation, which involved settling various claims, paying compensation for vessels, etc. The original Nortraship organisation was terminated on 30 July 1958 and its remaining tasks were transferred to the trade department.

In spite of internal quarrels, Nortraship's legacy was mainly positive: Norway retained control of its merchant fleet, it gave a vital contribution to the Allied war effort, Norway's exile government had a sound financial basis, and the basis was maintained for continued Norwegian shipping after the war. When Minister Trygve Lie presented the final report was presented in the Norwegian parliament in 1964, the total financial contribution from Nortraship to Norwegian society during and after the war was shown to be 1,219,000 NOK.

During the Cold War the Nortraship name was used for the organisation that would run the Norwegian fleet should there be a war. When the Cold War ended in 1991, the organisation was dissolved.

The Nortraship name again came into use after 9/11, as the Norwegian Shipowners Association established a contingency committee on 1 January 2002. It has seven members, six civilians from various parts of the Norwegian maritime industry and one representative of the department of defence.