Nortraship - Norwegian Merchant Fleet Prior To World War II

Norwegian Merchant Fleet Prior To World War II

In the years after World War I the Norwegian merchant fleet recouped its losses and expanded into new sectors, primarily tankers but also dry cargo vessels. The 1930s, in particular, were a growth period, in contrast to the other major shipping nations. By the end of 1938 some 7% of world tonnage was Norwegian and Norway was the fourth-largest shipping nation, behind the United Kingdom, the USA and Japan. Moreover, the expansion was based on new building, thus lowering the median age of Norwegian vessels. Most of the new vessels were powered by diesel motors; they accounted for some 62% of the fleet, while Japan had some 27%, and the UK 25%. Around 42% of the fleet was modern tankers, a total of 18% of the world tanker tonnage. Norwegian shipowners were innovative and willing to take risks in ordering new vessels during the depression.

The various services needed for operation of ships had also been expanded, the most important being the classification society Det Norske Veritas, but also shipbrokers, insurance companies and shipping banks. The government also played an important part in establishing and updating regulations, and in providing schools for engineers and navigators.

Read more about this topic:  Nortraship

Famous quotes containing the words merchant, fleet, prior, world and/or war:

    People run away from the name subsidy. It is a subsidy. I am not afraid to call it so. It is paid for the purpose of giving a merchant marine to the whole country so that the trade of the whole country will be benefitted thereby, and the men running the ships will of course make a reasonable profit.... Unless we have a merchant marine, our navy if called upon for offensive or defensive work is going to be most defective.
    William Howard Taft (1857–1930)

    Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,
    Which I gaze on so fondly today,
    Were to change by tomorrow, and fleet in my arms,
    Like fairy-gifts fading away.
    Thomas Moore (1779–1852)

    Odds life! must one swear to the truth of a song?
    —Matthew Prior (1664–1721)

    If the children and youth of a nation are afforded opportunity to develop their capacities to the fullest, if they are given the knowledge to understand the world and the wisdom to change it, then the prospects for the future are bright. In contrast, a society which neglects its children, however well it may function in other respects, risks eventual disorganization and demise.
    Urie Bronfenbrenner (b. 1917)

    Since the war nothing is so really frightening not the dark not alone in a room or anything on a road or a dog or a moon but two things, yes, indigestion and high places they are frightening.
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)