The Finlandia Seaways freighter sailing to Gdynia with NASAMS missiles, intended to protect the Rzeszów airport in Jasionka, is still in the city of Stavanger in Norway. The vessel's hull hit the bottom of the quay while leaving the port on Thursday evening.
Hanne Olafsen, spokeswoman for the Norwegian Armed Forces Operational Command, confirms that the weapons on board the ship were not damaged in any way. No crew members were injured, including those handling the missile delivery.
“We assure you that the Polish airport in Rzeszów remains safe and the NATO units on site will remain in Jasionka as long as needed. Of course, we must take into account delays in the arrival of Norwegian equipment and service, but it will not take more than a few days,” Olafsen said.
NASAMS system in actionKongsberg Defense & Aerospace
The police are investigating the circumstances
The Finlandia Seaways ship is a civilian vessel hired by the Norwegian military to deliver NASAMS anti-aircraft systems to Poland, which, together with F-35 aircraft, were to protect the military airport in Jesionka near Rzeszów. Replacement transport is currently being organized. Due to the fact that the place of the incident was directly the port of Stavanger, the army does not expect any problems with replacing the ship.
The military established a security zone around the disabled ship. Because the incident concerns a civilian unit, its circumstances are being investigated by the services.
The ship “Finlandia Seaways” in the port of HaugesundJan Kaare Ness/NTB/PAP
Main photo source: Royal Norwegian Navy