The Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is proud to partner with Liberation Convoy 2025, an initiative that highlights the importance of collaboration, resilience, and shared values between the UK and Norway.
On 8 May 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of Nazi occupation of Norway will be commemorated with a grand tribute featuring five historic Norwegian veteran vessels, alongside partners from both Norway and the United Kingdom. Together, these vessels will sail in convoy from Bergen on 4 May, arriving at Lerwick in Shetland on 6 May, honouring the immense contributions of Norwegian war sailors and celebrating peace in the nation that became a second home for many Norwegians during the war. On leaving Lerwick, the convoy will sail to various ports in the UK.
The NBCC’s involvement with the Liberation Convoy carries a deep historical resonance. During the Second World War, the chamber played a vital role in supporting Norway’s merchant fleet, which was pivotal to the Allied war effort. In the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of Norway in April 1940, Norwegian business leaders and shipping representatives based in London – many connected to the NBCC – acted swiftly to safeguard the future of their fleet. Recognising the strategic importance of maintaining an independent Norwegian presence in global shipping, the NBCC helped establish a shipping and insurance committee that would be instrumental in forming Nortraship, The Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission.
Nortraship became the world’s largest shipping company during the war, controlling a fleet of over 800 vessels, including tankers and cargo ships vital to transporting oil and supplies. Norway’s merchant fleet, comprising seven percent of the world’s shipping tonnage at the outbreak of the war, was crucial not only to the British war economy but to the survival of Norway’s government while it was in exile. Shipping revenues generated by Nortraship sustained Norway’s war effort and secured the country’s postwar independence.
NBCC members such as Bjørn Kverndal and Knud Sømme took leading roles within Nortraship, ensuring that Norway’s fleet continued to sail under its own flag rather than being fully absorbed into British operations. This determined advocacy protected both Norway’s economic interests and its national identity during the darkest years of occupation.
We are grateful to the sponsors of Liberation Convoy 2025 for their generous support. Special thanks go to Gard, a longstanding NBCC member and one of the world’s leading marine insurers, as well as to Bergen Defence Association, Bergen Shipowners’ Association, J. Gran & Co AS, the Norwegian Seamen’s Union, the Oslo Machinists Union, The Polstjerna Foundation, and Stavanger Municipality. Their commitment ensures that the courage and resilience of Norway’s wartime seafarers is honoured.
As a long-standing advocate for strong trade relations between our two nations, the NBCC recognises the vital role of shipping in our economic and strategic partnership. Norway and the UK have historically relied on maritime trade to strengthen industries, connect businesses, and foster growth. The Liberation Convoy embodies this spirit of cooperation, using well-established networks and expertise to drive forward its mission.
By engaging with this initiative, the NBCC reinforces its commitment to facilitating partnerships that extend beyond commerce, championing projects that reflect the close ties between our two countries.
We encourage our members and wider network to explore the opportunities this project presents and to take part in its important work. If you would like to support this project in any way, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
- Ragnhild Bie (ragnhild.bie@vestagdermuseet.no)
For more information about the project visit the convoy’s digital platforms:
- Website: www.liberationconvoy.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/frigjoringskonvoien2025
- Instagram: instagram.com/frigjoringskonvoien2025
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-liberation-convoy
