How is it possible that the Norwegian frigate Helge Ingstad collided with the Aframax tanker Sola TS in a fjord near a major oil terminal? The frigate is much smaller, significantly faster and far more maneuverable than the 113,00 DWT tanker laden with a full cargo of crude oil. Why did the naval officers on the frigate fail to avoid a collision?
It is too early to say. “This was a very serious accident and [the authorities] need the time to investigate,” said John Erik Hagen, regional director of the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s western region.