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The raising of HNoMS "Helge Ingstad" has started

26 February 2019

Operation for raising the partly sunken frigate HNoMS "Helge Ingstad" started early morning on Tuesday 26 February. The operation is estimated to take five–six days.

​The frigate was involved in a collision with the oil tanker "Sola TS" just outside the coast northwest of Bergen in western Norway on 8 November 2018.

The operation to raise the ship out of the water has been complex, and it has been postponed several times due to rough weather conditions. In order to raise the frigate safely, wind and waves must be calm for 5–6 consecutive days. Maximum wave height must not exceed 0.5 meters.

Forecasts indicate that the needed weather window occurs now – and the operation was initiated early morning Tuesday 26 February. During the first phase of the operation, most of the work will be conducted under water.

The process of raising the frigate

Two barges have anchored up next to the frigate. Since the accident in November, divers and personnel have been working to pull several lifting chains around the hull. Four large hoists on the two barges will now slowly lift the frigate from the seabed.

The frigate will then be raised onto a sub-surface barge, which then will be raised to the surface. Aboard the barge, HNoMS "Helge Ingstad" will be shipped to Haakonsvern Naval Base, Bergen. If the operation goes according to plan, the ship may be at Haakonsvern some time during the weekend 1–3 March.

Press contact

Media can contact the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency:
Telephone: +47 47 45 15 15 (operated from 07:30 to 21:00 CET. Calls only, no SMS)

Information for media

Due to the hectic and complex operation, the personnel involved will not be available for interviews. It will also not be possible to conduct interviews at the site. If practically possible, the Norwegian Armed Forces will try to facilitate for telephone interviews.

The Norwegian public broadcaster, NRK, offers a live stream from the site, close to the frigate. The stream will be broadcast with a 15-minute delay. The stream will be available for other media. For more info, please contact Rune Endre Larsen at NRK, mobile phone: +47 997 48 737.

During the operation, the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency plan for two press opportunities: One during the operation of raising the frigate, and one during the transportation phase from the site to Haakonsvern Naval Base. Accredited press will be on board a navy vessel during these opportunities. Time and place is yet to be decided.