After the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, it became clear how dependent Europeans are on critical infrastructure. Even today, no one knows who carried out the attacks on the bottom of the Baltic Sea. One of the greatest threats in a dark and grim reality for Europeans is Russia. Experts have no doubt about the answer - and the assessment is as simple as its potential consequences are profound. The question is rather where Russia will hit Europe the hardest if the country chooses to strike?
At the bottom of the Norwegian waters at over 300 metres depth stretch 9,000 km of cables and pipes, supplying around 25% of Europeans with electricity, gas, and oil. The vast gas and oil fields along the coast of Norway play a huge role in Europe's energy supply.
The area is enormously difficult to protect. Due to the risk of a hybrid attack on Europe's critical infrastructure, NATO and Norway have increased patrols along the coast. Outside of Bergen, the coast guard ship KV "Bergen" is Norway's first line of defence against possible attacks.
Kristine Skinnes is one of the conscripts sailing with KV Bergen. The crew sails northward, monitoring the area by sea and will amongst others look for unusual activity on the ocean surface. This could include ships and drones, which have sometimes been observed around the country's oil platforms.
