Iceland commits to replacing all 13 rescue ships

Iceland’s government has committed to taking part in the replacement of the final three rescue ships operated by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, bringing its commitment to all 13 vessels, mbl.is reports.

The commitment was set out in a declaration of intent signed on Friday at the opening of the international rescue conference Björgun 26 at Harpa. The signatories were Landsbjörg chair Borghildur Fjóla Kristjánsdóttir, its managing director Kristján Þór Harðarson, Minister of Industry Hanna Katrín Friðriksson and Justice Minister Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir.

The government has previously pledged to participate in replacing 10 ships and has contributed half the cost of each new rescue vessel. Landsbjörg said the latest agreement would allow the fleet’s replacement to be completed soon and improve safety for seafarers off Iceland’s coast.

After the opening ceremony, Borghildur Fjóla and Sjóvá chief executive Hermann Björnsson signed a new support agreement between the insurance company and Landsbjörg. Sjóvá has supported the association for years through funding and involvement in accident-prevention and safety projects. Its 142 million króna contribution helped launch the rescue-ship replacement programme, the association said.