The sharp rise in fuel prices is now having major consequences for the Governor of Svalbard. Governor Lars Fause confirms that the use of the service vessel “Polarsyssel” and helicopters will be reduced in the coming months due to high operating costs. – When we get an increase in expected fuel costs of 15 million kroner, we must take the reef in the sails. Now we have reduced the activity to get the budget in balance, says Fause. – Less presence and exercise of authority The Governor ship «Polarsyssel» is central in the monitoring of the waters off Svalbard. The ship usually has around 200 sailing days a year, always with a fully operational police patrol on board. It conducts continuous patrols, in addition to carrying out rescue missions and monitoring the environment. In 2019, state authorities allocated money for the year-round operation of «Polarsyssel». But now the ship is forced to do less activity due to increased costs. Several of this summer’s cruises have already been shelved. In addition, much of the planned field activity that was to be done by helicopter is cut. One of the Governor’s helicopters takes off from “Polarsyssel”. Photo: Rune Nordgård Andreassen / news In total, «Polarsyssel» will sail six fewer weeks than originally planned this summer and autumn. The reduction is taking place at the same time as there are a record number of tourist boats in place on the archipelago. – There will be less presence and exercise of authority, and there will be many assignments we can not complete. It is clearly important for emergency preparedness that we sail less, states Fause, who has been in ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Justice about the case. At the same time, he emphasizes that the 24-hour emergency preparedness (SAR) is shielded. Considering putting “Crown Prince Haakon” in circulation The Governor of Svalbard is not the only government agency that now has to reduce activity due to high fuel costs. The Institute of Marine Research (HI) must also do the same, states shipping company manager Inge André Utåker. HI operates a total of eight ships, including the research ship “Crown Prince Haakon”. “Crown Prince Haakon” on a cruise in Framstredet. Photo: Kit Kovacks & Christian Lydersen Several of the planned cruises are now being shortened, as a result of increased costs. Planned rental of fishing boats is also abandoned, says Utåker. As it looks now, HI will have increased costs of as much as NOK 75 million in 2022. Therefore, it is now being considered to put more of the ships in storage. This may lead to “Crown Prince Haakon” also being added to the quay, confirms Utåker. – It is the boat that uses by far the most fuel. At the same time, it is also the most sought-after boat, so it will probably hurt more than anything else to put it in storage, says Utåker. He expects the final decision to be made in August. – Can not run Svalbard on a saving flare Local board chairman Arild Olsen (Labor Party) thinks it is very unfortunate that the Governor now has to reduce operations as a result of high fuel prices. Now he demands that state authorities intervene. – This is a national political responsibility to clean up. We can not drive Svalbard on fire. It is obvious that it is unfortunate to reduce Norwegian activity on the archipelago at a time when there is a predicted increase in the general activity on the archipelago and the surrounding waters, says Olsen. Lars Fause has been business manager on Svalbard since 2021. Photo: Rune Nordgård Andreassen / news Lars Fause also admits that it is smart to reduce sailing activity now. – It is a paradox, but I have no choice but to follow the budget orders and guidelines I have received, says Fause. He also says that there may be further cuts in sailing if diesel prices continue to rise. The Ministry of Justice follows developments closely The Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness has the overall responsibility for Norwegian Svalbard policy. According to State Secretary Hans-Petter Aasen (Sp), the Government is aware of the increased expenses incurred by the Governor, and is assessing the situation on an ongoing basis. – We take this very seriously, says Aasen. – Is it relevant to go in with more money? – I can not go into budgetary issues here and now. We follow the situation closely and make assessments.
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Sky-high diesel prices affect emergency preparedness on Svalbard – news Troms and Finnmark
