Increased Oil Transport Along Norway?s Coast

50 Russian oil tankers were expected to pass along the Norwegian coast last year but the number rose to almost 250. All of them were carrying large amounts of crude which is a potential danger to the environment if a spill occurs.

As the Barent Sea is one of the richtest parts of the world oceans, the consequences of an accident would be more severe than the wreck of the ?Prestige?.

Norway has therefore proposed to set up an international emergency fund. However, the cost to prevent accidents would be much cheaper.