Strait of Hormuz
The Norwegian Armed Forces have deployed staff officers to the European-led military initiative EMASoH in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The European-led Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH) is a diplomatic and military maritime presence in the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
The initiative was established after the security situation in the area deteriorated in 2019, and several civilian vessels were subjected to various types of attacks.
The operation is led by France and supported by several European countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Germany. Norway joined the initiative in September 2021, becoming the ninth European nation involved. Safe maritime navigation
Safeguarding maritime traffic
Within the scope of EMASoH, a military operation called AGENOR was established in 2020. This military operation aims to enhance Europe's situational awareness in the region and ensure that commercial shipping can navigate safely and freely in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The operation contributes to increased regional security and stability in a crucial and vulnerable maritime hub.
Norway participates in the operation by providing staff officers to the EMASoH headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Norway has contributed personnel to the operation since September 2021.
By supporting the operation, Norway helps to strengthen cooperation with key allies and strategic partner nations. Why Norway?
Why Norway?
Norway has a long and proud history as a maritime nation. Norwegian shipping companies and vessels have been major and significant players on the world's oceans for over 150 years. Today, Norway has a foreign fleet of over 1,800 ships and rigs that annually navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. Among the EMASoH countries, only Greece surpasses this. Therefore, regional maritime security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz are crucial for Norway.
The operation is led by France, one of Norway's most important strategic partners. Through participation in the operation, Norway demonstrates that we are a relevant and credible ally, with the will and ability to contribute to international security and stability. The Norwegian officers will gain unique experiences and lessons. This knowledge can later be beneficial elsewhere in the Defence and in NATO.
Why the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important maritime chokepoint that connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean – and thus the oil production in the Middle East with the rest of the world. The strait is vital for the transportation of petroleum between Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the world. In 2018, 21 percent of the world's total petroleum consumption was transported through this strategic strait, equating to 21 million barrels of oil each day.
Disturbances, an acute incident, or closure of this strait would therefore quickly have negative repercussions globally in the form of uncertainty in the energy market and increased oil prices.
